Garita Skipperling
Oarisma garita (Reakirt, 1866)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Uncommon/rare resident
NENHP Ranking: S2, Tier 2
Range: Southern halves of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba southward into portions of New Mexico and into Mexico. Restricted to the panhandle in Nebraska although it should be watched for along the Niobrara River in the north central portion of the state.
Larval Hostplant(s): Grasses are reported including the following: Poa pratensis, Bouteloua gracilis, and the genera Sitanion and Stipa.
Broods/Flight Times: One flight, late May through June.
Overwintering: As a partially grown caterpillar.
Habitat: The Garita Skipperling is most often encountered along streamsides and wetlands, but has also found on grassy hillsides.
Avg. Wingspan: 3/4 – 1 3/16 inches
Found at: Chadron State Park, Gilbert-Baker SWMA, Sowbelly Canyon (Sioux County) I-80 mm1, Crescent Lake NWR
Similar Species: Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor)
Notes:
Garita Skipperling, Matthew Brust
