Species Insects & ArthropodsLong-tailed Skipper

Long-tailed Skipper

Urbanus proteus

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)

The Long-tailed Skipper is a large, strikingly beautiful skipper with iridescent blue-green body and wing bases and long, elegant hindwing tails. It is a strong seasonal migrant in the Southeast and can be common in gardens during fall. Larvae are known as bean leaf rollers and can be a minor agricultural pest.

Habitat
Open areas, gardens, weedy fields, and woodland edges
Diet
Larvae: legumes including beans and wisteria. Adults: nectar
How common
Common

Recent Long-tailed Skipper sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Long-tailed 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

More insects & arthropods

13-Year Periodical Cicada
13-Year Periodical Cicada
Magicicada tredecim
Acmon Blue
Acmon Blue
Plebejus acmon
Acorn Ant
Acorn Ant
Temnothorax curvispinosus
Acorn Weevil
Acorn Weevil
Curculio glandium
Aerial Yellowjacket
Aerial Yellowjacket
Dolichovespula arenaria
Alderfly
Alderfly
Sialis lutaria
Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee
Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee
Megachile rotundata
Ambush Bug
Ambush Bug
Phymata americana