Hayhurst’s Scallopwing
(Staphylus hayhurstii)
Hayhurst’s Scallopwing has only been seen in the far southwestern corner of the state in Grant County. This species is widely distributed in the eastern U.S., but Wisconsin’s sighting is near the northernmost sighting of this species. This species is considered a rare stray in Wisconsin, but certainly could be expected along the Mississippi River counties.
Identifying characteristics: Hayhurst’s Scallopwing is a small dark brown skipper, with two darker bands through each wing above, a characteristic that is easier to see in more worn males or females that have a lighter brown wing color. It also has a checkered fringe with scalloped wing margins. There are a few white, hyaline spots, and a variable amount of small white flecks throughout.
Similar species: The Common Sootywing would most likely be confused with this species in Wisconsin. The Common Sootywing is a more uniform blackish/brown with more white spots than the Hayhurst’s Scallopwing, and lacks the scalloped wing margins.
Habitat: Found in a wide variety of habitats, including disturbed habitats and gardens where the larvae feed on lambs quarters (Chenopodium album).
Flight: Two broods farther south, but a rare stray in Wisconsin and not known to breed here.
Abundance: A rare stray in Wisconsin.
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Hayhurst’s Scallopwing
Staphylus hayhurstii