The Leonard’s Skipper butterfly is a typical member of the “branded” skippers. There are two isolated orange spots near the outer forewing edge. It is dark brown with some orange blocks near the wing edge, and with a cream-colored fringe. The forewing is orange at the base and brown along the margins. The male hindwing is rust-colored, while the female is chestnut-colored.

 

“Leonard’s Skipper” by Joshua Mayer, licensed (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

Leonard’s Skipper Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Hesperiinae

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

Butterfly Habitat: Open grassy areas including native prairies, fields, barrens, and meadows

 

Leonard’s Skipper Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Little Bluestem Grass
• Blue Grama Grass
• Bent Grass
• Panic Grass
• Switch Grass

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Blazing Star
  • Asters
  • Thistles