Common Name: Tecumseh Skipper
The Polites sabuleti complex may contain several
genetic species. Tecumseh is the
"high Sierran" subspecies, occurring from the
vicinity of Bucks Lake south at mostly high altitudes and extending above
tree-line in the south. It is small and heavily marked both above and below,
but there is significant phenotypic and molecular variation among populations.
The population at Donner Pass is typical in being univoltine and emerging in
June-July (7000'). It can be quite abundant. There was formerly a bivoltine
population (June and September) on Bear Valley at Lang (a little under 5000').
It is now extinct; its loss seemed to
follow the removal of cattle grazing and the consequent change from low turf to
tall grass. There is still a bivoltine population at Sierra Valley (also
5000'). Very common at Donner; uncommon at Castle Peak; numbers vary enormously
at Sierra Valley from year to year. Males perch territorially on the ground, or
on protruding objects including dried cowpies. An avid visitor to pink
pussy-paws, dandelion, Aster and other low meadow flowers. Larval hosts
undetermined perennial grasses. The situation
at Sierra Valley is very confusing.