Common Sootywing
Pholisora catullus
This species is a fairly regular immigrant to Wisconsin. I had only seen this species once where I live in Waushara County, and believed that this species was an uncommon migrant, but I have seen this species nearly every year in the southern part of the state since 2003.

Weekly sightings for Common Sootywing
Identifying characteristics
This species is a very dark, blackish-brown skipper with many small white spots on the wings that can be seen from above and below. This species flies very close to the ground, often in parking lots or gravel roadsides, and when it lands it is often seen hunkered down, as in the third image, without spreading its wings fully.
Similar species
None in Wisconsin.
Habitat
Old fields, disturbed areas, gravel parking lots, and roadsides. It larval host plants are weedy species including Lamb’s-quarters (Chenopodium album).
Flight
This species has two broods farther south and could be expected in Wisconsin from May to September.
Abundance
A fairly regular immigrant to Wisconsin from farther south. This species is usually found in small groups.
Locations



Hardscrabble SNA, Lafayette Co., WI. July 2, 2006.

Puchyan Prairie SNA, Green Lake Co., WI, July 7, 2005.

Trempealeau State Park, Trempealeau Co., WI. July 11, 2003.

Hardscrabble SNA, Lafayette Co., WI. July 2, 2006. Same individual as the photo above.

Puchyan Prairie SNA, Green Lake Co., WI, July 7, 2005.