Uncas Skipper
Hesperia uncas (W.H. Edwards, 1863)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Uncommon/rare local resident
NENHP Ranking: S2, Tier 2
Range: This species can be found from central Alberta to southern Manitoba south to northern Texas and northeastern Arizona. In Nebraska it has been found in the western half of the state.
Larval Hostplant(s): Grasses, of which Bouteloua gracilis and Stipa species are preferred.
Broods/Flight Times: There is one main flight in late May to mid June and a partial second from mid August to early September.
Overwintering: This species likely overwinters as a caterpillar.
Habitat: Uncas skippers inhabit sandhills, mixed and shortgrass prairies.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/8 – 1 5/8 inches
Found at: Crescent Lake NWR, Niobrara Valley Preserve, Wildcat Hills SRA, I-80 Mile Marker 1, I-80E Sidney Rest Area, Ash Hollow SHP, Gilbert-Baker SWMA
Similar Species:
Notes: They avidly take nectar from Platte thistles during the first flight, while the second brood should be sought on Liatris flowers.
Uncas Skipper, Sioux County, Colin Croft
