Hobomok — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 1 of 6

Wisconsin

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Search species hobomok

This is the early bright yellow skipper of the woodland trails and openings. It is always fun to see these skipping around and then alighting and sunning themselves near the end of May. This species, the Arctic Skipper, and the Pepper and Salt Skipper are the trio of woodland butterflies that are often flying together throughout the northern half of the state in late May or early June.

Weekly sightings for Hobomok Skipper

Identifying characteristics

Above, the male is bright orange with a dark margin and a dark mark at the cell bar end of the forewing. The pattern on the hindwing is similar to the hindwing below. The female is similar but darker towards the margins and nearer the body, giving the female a much darker appearance than the male. Below, the yellowish orange post-median band is very broad and contrasts with the brownish color of the wing. In fresh specimens there is a noticeable purplish sheen to the wing margins. There is a dark female, called form pocohontas, which is sometimes found. The last two photos show this form. Notice that the post- median band is still obvious on the hindwing.

Similar species

None in Wisconsin. A little farther south this species is very similar to the , a species that hasn’t been found in Wisconsin.

Habitat

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/149-hobomok-skipper 6/5/2009 Hobomok Skipper — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 2 of 6

Woodland trails and open areas near woodlands.

Flight

Single brooded and flying from late May and June, and sometimes into July.

Abundance

This species can be common. I saw over 30 of these in a four-hour period along a forest road in Florence County where I took the photo of the nine individuals on scat.

Locations

Skippers | Grass-Skippers

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/149-hobomok-skipper 6/5/2009 Hobomok Skipper — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 3 of 6

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TriCounty School Forest, Waushara Co., WI, June 8, 2003.

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Mount Morris County Park, Waushara Co., WI, June 2, 2005.

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Sandhill Wildlife Area, June 5, 2005.

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Tie Mill Rd., Florence Co., WI. June 3, 2006.

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Lunch Creek Fishery Area, off Hwy. 21, Waushara Co., WI. June 1, 2007.

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Lunch Creek Fishery Area, off Hwy. 21, Waushara Co., WI. June 1, 2007.

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/149-hobomok-skipper 6/5/2009 Hobomok Skipper — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 6 of 6

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Moquah Barrens, Bayfield Co., WI. July 1, 2008. Female.

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http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/149-hobomok-skipper 6/5/2009