The Arogos Skipper (Atrytone alberta) is listed as a state endangered species in Illinois, New Jersey, and New York. It is listed as threatened in Minnesota and is listed as a Species of Concern in Iowa. Their scattered, isolated populations east of the Rockies and are declining severely. Some of these locations include Florida, areas around the Gulf Coast, Georgia, Arkansas, Virginia, North Dakota, Colorado, and Minnesota south to Texas.
The host plants are big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), pine barren sandreed (Calamovilfa brevipilis), and lopsided Indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum). These host plants may vary depending on the location. The natural habitats are mostly undisturbed prairie and grasslands. Many of these areas have been lost due to developments and agricultural needs.
For additional information regarding the Arogos Skipper, please visit The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. (Photo Credit: MaryAnn Friedmann)
