Male Fiery SkipperEnlarge

MaleEnlarge

 

Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)

The most interesting visual aspect of the Fiery Skipper butterfly is the small size of the wings compared to the body. Extremely short antennae are also characteristic of this butterfly. Despite the small appendages, the Fiery Skipper is the hot rod of the garden. When beating quickly, the orange and brown wings of this butterfly appear like flames flickering in a campfire. The large eyes will captivate you. A male normally has orange wings with dark spots while the female’s wings are dark brown with orange spots. This nimble butterfly will blaze a path in any garden and light up your day.

Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Subfamily: Grass Skipper (Hesperiinae)

Average Wingspan: 1 1/4" - 1 1/2"

Habitat: Open areas

Similar To: Sachem , Zabulon Skipper

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants (What is this?)
  Aster, Ironweed, Tall Verbena, Common Milkweed, Woodland Stonecrop
  
• Host Plants (What is this?)
  Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda Grass*

* May not be available for purchase at your local nursery.

Note: Always check a plant's Hardiness Zone to make sure it will grow in your area. (What Is My Hardiness Zone?)

Where To Buy Plants

Butterfly Flight Range Map

Photo Credits:
Male (open wing) - Fred Miller
Male (closed wing) - Fred Miller