Pepper and Salt Skipper

Amblyscirtes hegon

An early season woodland skipper that is often found flying with the Hobomok Skipper and the Arctic Skipper. I did not see this species until 2003, but I have seen it every year since and at numerous sites. Still, this skipper is not a common skipper in the state and it is a pleasant surprise to see it. In 2007 I saw nine along a single trail in Price County, the most I have ever seen in one day.

Identifying characteristics

Below, it is a reddish-brown skipper with a gray dusting that obscures a light spot band and makes it appear somewhat white. The fringe is obviously checkered, especially on the forewing. Above, it has some gray scaling mainly near the wing margins, several white spots in the middle of the forewing, and three postmedian spots.

Similar species

The Common Roadside-Skipper is a similarly sized skipper that might be flying at the same time and in the same area. This skipper does have a checkered fringe, but does not have the Pepper and Salt Skipper’s obvious white spots in the center of the upper forewing, and from below has frosting only on the trailing edges of the wings.

Habitat

Mainly seen along trails through woodlands or woodland edges.

Flight

One brood from late May to late June.

Abundance

An uncommon butterfly that is not usually found in large numbers.

Early Pepper and Salt Skipper Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
May 2, 2012	La Crosse	Daniel Jackson
May 10, 2012	Jackson	Ann Thering
May 13, 2012	Wood	Ron Arnold
May 14, 2012	La Crosse	Daniel Jackson
May 14, 2012	Jackson	Karl and Dorothy Legler

Locations