Arctic Skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon)

Description: Arctic Skipper is a small, very boldly patterned skipper. The upperside is dark brown with large, bright orange spots. The underside is bright orange with dark markings on the forewing and white spots on the hindwing. No other Maritime skipper is so boldly patterned. Wingspan: 19 to 32 mm.

Maritime Distribution: Throughout the Maritimes. For Atlas results click here.

Provincial Ranks: NB: S5. NS: S5. PEI: S4.

Flight Period: Late May to mid July.

Host Plant: Various grasses (Poaceae).

Subspecies: Carterocephalus palaemon mandan is the only subspecies of Arctic Skipper in North America.

Notes: Arctic Skipper is a common spring species of moist grassy habitats such as trail margins and forest edges. It often flies in similar habitat and at the same time of year as Hobomok Skipper. It is an avid flower visitor.