The Clouded Skipper is a common sight in the southern region of the continent, this small butterfly is often overlooked. Overall, this skipper is dark brown with some translucent white spots and a distinctive cloudy wash. The underside of the forewing is pointed with a row of translucent whitish spots near the subapical region. The underside of both wings in the center and toward the outer margin has a distinctive cloudy bluish-violet to a lavender sheen. The upperside of the wings is dark chocolate brown with several small semitransparent whitish spots in the forewing.

 

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Clouded Skipper Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Hesperiinae

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

Butterfly Habitat: Forest edges and clearings near rivers and swamps

 

Clouded Skipper Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Silver Plume Grass
• Witch Grass
• Johnson Grass
• Barnyard Grass
• St. Augustine Grass
• Wooly Beard Grass

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Shepherd’s Needle
  • Vervain
  • Buttonbush
  • Lantana
  • Zinnia
  • Mistflower
  • Red Clover
  • Thistle
  • Purple Coneflower
  • Garden Petunia
  • White Turtlehead
  • Phlox
  • Everlasting Pea
  • Wild Petunia
  • Blazing Star