The Common Sootywing butterfly is a relatively small skipper. They are shiny black with speckled white spots on the wings. The females commonly have more spots than the males. The Common Sootywing is the darkest of the sootywing butterflies.

 

“Common Sootywing” by Sara Bright

Common Sootywing Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Pyrginae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 – 1 5/16 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Open or disturbed areas such as landfills, vacant lots, gardens, roadsides, fields, and pastures

 

Common Sootywing Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Lambs Quarters
• Amaranths
• Cockscomb
• Mexican Tea
• Pitseed Goosefoot

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Dogbane
  • Marjoram
  • Oxalis
  • White Clover
  • Common Milkweed
  • Peppermint
  • Cucumber
  • Melon
  • Fogfruit