The Swarthy Skipper is a tiny, uniform dark brown skipper with very subtle lighter veins on the hindwing below, one of the smallest grass skippers in the East. It flies low and fast through grassy areas and is easily missed due to its small size and dull coloring. It is a steady, multiple-brooded species in meadows and roadsides throughout the Southeast.
Habitat
Dry grassy fields, roadsides, and open meadows
Diet
Larvae: little bluestem and other native grasses. Adults: nectar
How common
Common
Recent Swarthy Skipper sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Swarthy Skipper? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free