Broad-winged Skipper
Poanes viator (W. H. Edwards, 1865)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Uncommon/rare local resident
NENHP Ranking: S2, Tier 2
Range: The Broad-winged Skipper is found from Minnesota and Iowa east to the east coast and then following the east and gulf coasts into Texas. In Nebraska, which is at the western fringe of its range, most records are from northern and central portions of the state.
Larval Hostplant(s): Sedges: Carex species.
Broods/Flight Times: One mid-summer flight in July.
Overwintering: As a larva.
Habitat: Marshes and wetlands.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 2 1/4 inches
Found at: Niobrara Valley Preserve, Scotia Canal and Wood Duck SWMAs
Similar Species:
Notes: Poanes viator, along with P. massasoit, Euphyes conspicua, E. dion, and E. bimacula, is one of a group of marsh skippers found in Nebraska that are considered uncommon or rare. But when located P. viator can occasionally be abundant.
Broad-winged Skipper, Boone County, J. Nikkila
