Crossline Skipper
Polites origenes (Fabricius, 1793)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Uncommon resident
NENHP Ranking: S3, Tier 2
Range: The nominate subspecies is found in the eastern half of the United States, with subspecies rhena inhabiting the Rocky Mountain foothills in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Records for the species in Nebraska are scattered through most of the state, but not yet recorded from the southern panhandle or southwest.
Larval Hostplant(s): Grasses: Andropogon scoparius, Tridens species.
Broods/Flight Times: Two flights in southern Nebraska, the second possibly only partial. The second flight has yet to be recorded in northern portions of the state where only a single late June/early July flight has been observed. This species has been recorded in the state from May 26 – Aug 27.
Overwintering: As a partially grown caterpillar.
Habitat: The Crossline Skipper is most often encountered in higher quality upland prairies, but is also occasionally found in wetland habitats.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/8 – 1 1/2 inches
Found at: Box Elder SWMA, Niobrara Valley Preserve, Rowe Sanctuary, Happy Jack Chalk Mine
Similar Species: Tawny-edged Skipper
Notes:
Crossline Skipper, Niobrara Valley Preserve, J. Nikkila
