Species Page: Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia ottoe)

Family: Hesperiidae

Status: Rare resident

NENHP Ranking: S2, Tier 1

Range: Found from the Dakotas south to Oklahoma and east to Missouri and Michigan. Found statewide in Nebraska.

Larval Hostplant(s): Grasses, primarily Andropogon scoparius.

Broods/Flight Times: One flight from mid-June to early August, generally peaking in early July. 

Overwintering: As partially grown caterpillar.

Habitat: This species inhabits relatively undisturbed mixed and shortgrass prairies.

Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 1 11/16 inches

Found at: Niobrara Valley Preserve, Box Elder SWMA, Cather Prairie (Webster Co)

Similar Species: Arogos and Delaware Skippers

Notes: Both the Ottoe and Arogos skippers are sometimes used as environmental indicators as both require higher quality prairies to sustain populations, and as such both are on the decline in the state. Ottoe skipper adults have been observed taking nectar from purple coneflower, Liatris and hairy verbena flowers. Males are sometimes found on mud.