Fiery Skipper

What it is

The fiery skipper (Hylephila phyleus) is a butterfly of the family Hesperiidae and is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The males are orange or yellow with black spots while the females are dark brown with orange or yellow spots. The caterpillars are greenish pink with a black head. The caterpillars are often considered pests and can feed on Bermudagrass, creeping bentgrass, and St. Augustine grass.

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find Fiery Skippers in the southern United States, ranging north into the central and eastern states, in open, sunny areas like gardens and lawns.

How to find it

Look for them darting quickly between flowers on sunny days. They often rest with their wings partly open.

Best time of day

Daytime, especially sunny, warm periods; spring through fall.

How it lives

What it eats

Nectar from many different flowers; caterpillars eat grasses.

What eats it

Birds, spiders, praying mantises, and lizards.

Worth knowing

• They often sit with their forewings and hindwings at different angles.
• Their caterpillars build little shelters by rolling up grass blades.
• They are attracted to yellow, orange, and purple flowers.
• Their flight is so fast and jerky, it's hard to follow!
• The males love to 'perch' and wait for females.
• They are commonly found in city parks and suburban lawns.

Why it matters

Fiery Skippers are active pollinators, visiting many flowers to drink nectar. Their caterpillars are food for small predators.