Hobomok Skipper
Poanes hobomok
This is the early bright yellow skipper of the woodland trails and openings. It is always fun to see these skipping around and then alighting and sunning themselves near the end of May. This species, the Arctic Skipper, and the Pepper and Salt Skipper are the trio of woodland butterflies that are often flying together throughout the northern half of the state in late May or early June.

Weekly sightings for Hobomok Skipper
Identifying characteristics
Above, the male is bright orange with a dark margin and a dark mark at the cell bar end of the forewing. The pattern on the hindwing above is similar to that of the hindwing below. The female is similar but darker towards the margins and nearer the body, giving the female a much darker appearance than the male. Below, the yellowish orange post-median band is very broad and contrasts with the brownish color of the wing. In fresh specimens there is a noticeable purplish sheen to the wing margins. A dark female form called “pocahontas” is sometimes found, but the post-median band is still obvious on the hindwing.
Similar species
None in Wisconsin. A little farther south this species is very similar to the Zabulon Skipper, a species that hasn’t been found in Wisconsin.
Habitat
Woodland trails and open areas near woodlands.
Flight
Single brooded and flying from late May and June, and sometimes into July.
Abundance
This species can be common. I saw over 30 of these in a four-hour period along a forest road in Florence County where I took the photo of the nine individuals on scat.
Early Hobomok Skipper Sightings
Date | County | Reported by |
---|---|---|
May 7, 2012 | Marquette | Dan Sonnenberg |
May 9, 2012 | Chippewa | Aaron Carlson |
May 9, 2012 | Jackson | Jim Otto |
May 9, 2012 | La Crosse | Daniel Jackson |
May 10, 2012 | Jackson | Ann Thering |
Locations



TriCounty School Forest, Waushara Co., WI, June 8, 2003.

Sandhill Wildlife Area, June 5, 2005.

Tie Mill Rd., Florence Co., WI. June 3, 2006.

Form pocahontas
Lunch Creek Fishery Area, off Hwy. 21, Waushara Co., WI. June 1, 2007.

Form pocahontas
Lunch Creek Fishery Area, off Hwy. 21, Waushara Co., WI. June 1, 2007.