Rhesus Skipper
Polites rhesus (W. H. Edwards, 1878)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Rare local resident
NENHP Ranking: S2, Tier 2
Range: The Rhesus Skipper is found from southern Saskatchewan southward through New Mexico. In Nebraska it occurs primarily in the panhandle, with the easternmost record being from Arthur County.
Larval Hostplant(s): Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis).
Broods/Flight Times: A single spring flight in May.
Overwintering: Probably as a fully-grown caterpillar, but the early emergence dates might also suggest the pupal stage.
Habitat: Short/mixed grass prairies.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/4 inches
Found at: I-80 Mile Marker 1, Wildcat Hills SRA
Similar Species:
Notes: Colonies are extremely local and may occupy a small area of seemingly extensive identical habitat.
Rhesus Skipper, Cibola Co. NM, Steve Cary
