Strecker’s Giant-Skipper
Megathymus streckeri (Skinner, 1895)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Uncommon local resident
NENHP Ranking: S3, Tier 2
Range: Found from eastern Montana and western North Dakota south to northern Texas, and west through Utah and northern Arizona. In Nebraska it is found to the north and west of Dawson County.
Larval Hostplant(s): Yucca (Yucca glauca).
Broods/Flight Times: One flight from mid-May into mid-June.
Overwintering: As larvae in the root of the hostplant.
Habitat: In Nebraska it is found primarily in the sand hills where yucca is abundant.
Avg. Wingspan: 2 1/4 – 3 1/16 inches
Found at: Niobrara Valley Preserve, Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska National Forest – Halsey, Smith Lake SWMA
Similar Species: Yucca Giant-Skipper which flies earlier and is more southwestern in distribution.
Notes:
Strecker’s Giant-Skipper, Niobrara Valley Preserve, J. Nikkila
