Common Name: Field Skipper, Sachem
Somewhat weedy,
this robust skipper is often found breeding in mowed lawns and visiting garden
flowers - famously, in Capitol Park in downtown Sacramento! Widespread near sea
level and in the lower foothills; less common in the coastal fog belt than
inland. In recent years this species
has seemingly reacted to global warming by expanding its range from northern
california to central Washington State and Idaho. More recently still, it has
jumped the Sierra and invaded the western great Basin, becoming established in
Sierra Valley, Carson Valley and near Verdi, NV. It also has been very
responsive to spring temperatures, emerging nearly a month earlier than it did
near Sacramento 30 years ago. It is primarily an open-country species
(grassland, agricultural land), but occasionally turns up along roadsides in
mixed mesic mid-elevation forest. It tends not to persist in such situations.
Several broods per year
(March-November in Sacramento Valley), the autumn brood always by far the most
abundant. June-October at Sierra Valley. There is plenty of individual color
and pattern variation. Autumn females are usually very dark, chocolate-brown
beneath with distinct yellow spotting. Males are perchers , generally well off
the ground.
Larval hosts grasses, including
Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Dallis Grass (Paspalum),and
various others. An eager flower visitor, often seen at Tall Blue Verbena,
Goldenrod, Rabbitbrush, Coyotebrush, Alfalfa, Thistles, Dogbane, etc.