ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Grizzled Skipper

Grizzled Skipper

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 		 The grizzled skipper is found mostly in southeastern Ohio. Historically they have been found in Hocking, Morgan, Athens, Cuyahoga, and Vinton counties. The Ohio Division of Wildlife lists the grizzled skipper as endangered.
 

Grizzled Skipper
Pyrgus cantaureae wyandot

At-a-Glance

• Wings: .98 - 1.3 inches

• Ohio Status: Endangered 
Description
The upper side of the grizzled skipper is gray black with squarish white checks. The underside of its hindwing is gray-brown to black and is checkered with whitish spots. Their flight is fast, erratic, and close to the ground.

Habitat and Habits
This species is associated with openings in mature oak forests that support stands of Canada cinquefoil. Most of these areas are highly disturbed, and are characterized by fair amounts of exposed soil and rock.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The grizzled skipper has one brood, laid in late April-early May. Females deposit eggs singly on the underside of the host plant leaf. Eggs hatch in 8 to 10 days. Males appear to patrol most of the day for receptive females, occasionally stopping to perch and visit flowers for nectar.