The Hoary Edge butterfly can be seen throughout the eastern United States. The upper and lower sides of the wings are a deep brown, with orange spots decorating the top side of the wings. Nature’s grace takes flight when this creature is present. The most unique visual characteristic of the Hoary Edge is the full cottony-white spot on the underside of the wings near the hind section of the butterfly body.

 

“Hoary Edge” by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, licensed under (CC BY 2.0)

 

Hoary Edge Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Pyrginae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 3/4 – 1 15/16 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Open woodland and brushy areas, particularly oak or pine woods with sandy soil

 

Hoary Edge Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Beggar’s Tick
• False Indigo
• Bush Clover
• Butterfly Pea
• Hairy Small-Leaf
• Nuttall’s Tick Trefoils
• Hairy Lespedeza

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Common Milkweed
  • Dogbane
  • Buttonbush
  • New Jersey Tea
  • Thistle
  • Wild Petunia
  • Blazing Star
  • Red Clover
  • White Clover
  • Ironweed
  • Giant Hyssop
  • Joe-Pye Weed