Dion Skipper
Euphyes dion (W. H. Edwards, 1879)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Uncommon/rare local resident
NENHP Ranking: S2, Tier 2
Range: This species inhabits an area from the east coast west to eastern North Dakota and south to eastern Texas. In Nebraska it has been found in the eastern half of the state. Records from the Niobrara Valley Preserve (Brown and Keya Paha Counties) represent the western most populations in the United States.
Larval Hostplant(s): Sedges and rushes (Carex and Scirpus species).
Broods/Flight Times: One summer flight from mid June to mid July.
Overwintering: As a partially grown caterpillar.
Habitat: Inhabits marshes and wetlands.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 7/16 – 1 3/4 inches
Found at: Fontenelle Forest, Indian Cave State Park, Silver Creek (Merrick Co), Hackberry Creek (Antelope Co) and Wood Duck (Stanton Co) SWMAs
Similar Species:
Notes: Dion Skippers are rarely found in numbers greater than an individual or two. Adults often fly through – rather than over – marsh vegetation, making capture difficult. Dion and Broad-winged Skippers have been found at the same locality on at least one instance, so upon finding one the other should also be sought. Adults take nectar from milkweeds but are more often flushed from marsh vegetation.
Dion Skipper (female), Matthew Brust
