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Tawny-edged skipper

Tawny-edged skipper

Polites themistocles

A species of Polites

The upper side of the male's wings is brown or olive brown with the forewing having bright orange along the costa that ends at the stigma. The stigma is thicker than the male crossline skipper's (Polites origenes) and it usually runs more parallel to the costa. The upperside of the female's wings is brown with the forewing having a less conspicuous orange costa than the male. Near the end of the forewing cell there are two rectangular pale spots and three pale spots in a row in the subapical area. The underside of the wings vary form light brown to brown to brownish-orange. Sometimes the hindwing will have a crossband like the crossline skipper, but it is usually much more faint. The "tawny-edged" forewing strongly contrasts with the hindwing color. Its wingspan ranges from ​0.75 to 1 inch .

General Info About Tawny-edged skipper
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Attributes of Tawny-edged skipper
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
alpine bog; forest glade; grassy area; moist meadow; savanna; stream side
Adult Food Sources
Asteraceae family flowers (e.g., asters, daisies), fabaceae family flowers (e.g., legumes, peas), lamiaceae family flowers (e.g., mints, salvias), brassicaceae family flowers (e.g., mustards, cabbages), acanthaceae family flowers
Larva Food Source
Grasses, cynodon dactylon (bermuda grass), poa annua (annual bluegrass), stenotaphrum secundatum (st. augustine grass), elymus spp. (wild rye grasses)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Tawny-edged skipper is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Tawny-edged skipper
It is found in North America.
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Distribution Area of Tawny-edged skipper
United States
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Life Cycle of Tawny-edged skipper
Egg At this initial stage, the tawny-edged skipper's eggs are laid on host plants and are miniature, spherical or ovate. The color may blend with the plant to avoid predators. Development inside the egg leads to a larva ready to hatch.
Larva The larva, or caterpillar, of tawny-edged skipper is elongated with distinct segmentation. It exhibits a voracious appetite for host plant leaves, facilitating rapid growth. The larva molts several times, showing size increments and sometimes color changes.
Pupal The tawny-edged skipper enters the pupa stage encased within a chrysalis, undergoing drastic transformation. Its form changes internally and externally in preparation for adulthood. Colors can vary, often camouflaged for protection.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult tawny-edged skipper flaunts vibrant wings and functioning reproductive organs. The exoskeleton is hard and the body size is fixed. The adult is now mobile, prioritizing mating and laying eggs.
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Predators of Adult Tawny-edged skipper
Birds, spiders, rodents, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Tawny-edged skipper
The tawny-edged skipper can thermoregulate using wing basking, a behavior where it orients its wings towards the sun, optimizing body temperature for vital activities.
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Scientific Classification of Tawny-edged skipper
Tips for Finding Tawny-edged skipper
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Youth Habitat of Tawny-edged skipper
Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Tawny-edged skipper
Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Tawny-edged skipper
For the adult stage of tawny-edged skipper, a commonly used lure would be nectar-producing flowers or artificial feeders filled with a sugar-water solution. For the larval stage, one might use the species-specific host plants on which the larvae feed.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Tawny-edged skipper
Clear, sunny weather with little to no wind is typically suitable when searching for tawny-edged skipper. This is when adult tawny-edged skipper are likely to fly out for feeding, mating, and other activities. However, overcast weather might be better to find larvae since they are less vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.
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How and Where Can You Find Tawny-edged skipper at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of tawny-edged skipper are often laid on the underside of leaves of their host plant. To find them, identify the host plant species and inspect their leaves for tiny, spherical or ovate eggs.
Larva The larva of tawny-edged skipper, like many Lepidoptera, feed on host plants. Look for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves, and carefully check both the upper and underside of leaves for the presence of caterpillars.
Pupal Pupae of tawny-edged skipper can often be found attached to host plants or nearby structures. They may blend in with their surroundings so look for the chrysalis that will be camouflaged, often resembling leaves or twigs.
Adult Adult tawny-edged skipper can be found where there is an abundance of nectar, such as gardens or meadows with blooming flowers. Males may also be spotted perching in sunlit spots waiting for females. Observing flowering plants, especially during warmer parts of the day, is a likely way to spot these butterflies.
Are Tawny-edged skipper harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Tawny-edged skipper
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Tawny-edged skipper collects pollen as a rich protein source to feed its offspring. It's attracted by the vibrant colors and distinct shapes of flowers. This pollinator plays a critical role in the ecosystem by transferring pollen between flowers, aiding in plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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