Indian Skipper
(Hesperia sassacus)
Indian Skipper sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeCedar Springs Fishery area, Waushara Co., WI, June 3, 2004.
Click to enlargeMale (same individual as the photo above), Cedar Springs Fishery area, Waushara Co., WI, June 3, 2004.
Click to enlargeHwy 47 roadside, 3 miles south of Hwy 70, Oneida Co., WI, June 13, 2005.
Click to enlargeFemale, West of Wazee Park, Jackson Co., WI, June 18, 2004.
Click to enlarge2 miles NE of Goodman, off Shrine Rd., Marinette Co., WI. June 13, 2005.
The Indian Skipper is mainly a northern species in Wisconsin. In 2004, I saw my first example of this species in Waushara County on June 3. Although there apparently was an historical record of this species in Waushara County, this was my first sighting of the Indian Skipper in twenty years of observing. In 2006, I saw one in Marquette County, which is one of the southernmost sightings of this species in Wisconsin.
Identifying characteristics: Below, this skipper is somewhat variable in color from yellow to orange with a thin, and lighter spot band. Above, the male is yellow to orange with an irregular, wide black margin and a distinct stigma, while the female is similar, with a couple of darker spots instead of the stigma.
Similar species: : In Wisconsin this species should only be confused with the Long Dash . The last two years I have received Long Dash sightings that turned out to be Indian Skippers and also an Indian Skipper sightings that turned out to be a Long Dash. The Long Dash appears several weeks later than the Indian Skipper, and fresh specimens have a slightly reddish appearance and an obvious contrasting spot band on the hind wing below. Above the Long Dash male has dark marks in line with the stigma making it look like a long dash in the middle of the wing, quite unlike the thin stigma of the Indian Skipper.
Habitat: Roadsides, open areas in woodlands, old fields, and meadows, especially in the northern counties.
Flight: This species is single brooded and flying from late May through June.
Abundance: Common in the northern counties, but not really seen in large numbers. I have never seen more than 10 of these in a single day.
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Indian Skipper
Hesperia sassacus