Dun Skipper
Euphyes vestris (Boisduval, 1852)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Occasional resident
NENHP Ranking: S3, Tier 2
Range: This species is found through most of the U. S. and southern Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. In and west of the Rockies it can be found in disjointed populations. It has been found statewide in Nebraska.
Larval Hostplant(s): Sedges, of which sun sedge (Carex heliophia) – a hillside plant, and Carex lacustris are mentioned.
Broods/Flight Times: One or two flights, depending on the latitude and the year. There are Nebraska records from early June to early September.
Overwintering: As a partially grown caterpillar.
Habitat: The Dun Skipper is less restricted to wetlands than the other members of its genus. While it is generally found in vicinity of water in the eastern 2/3 of the state, Euphyes vestris has been found in arid upland sites in the Nebraska panhandle.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/8 – 1 3/8 inches
Found at: Harlan County Reservoir, Wildcat Hills & Victoria Springs SRAs, Kinter’s Ford & Gilbert-Baker SWMA, Fontenelle Forest, Rowe Sanctuary, Sidney Rest Area, Niobrara Valley Preserve, I-80 mm1, Crane Meadows, Indian Cave State Park
Similar Species: Northern Broken Dash, Little Glassywing
Notes:
Dun Skipper, Niobrara Valley Preserve, J. Nikkila
