Hobomok Skipper — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 1 of 6 Wisconsin Butterflies z butterflies z tiger beetles z robber flies Search species Hobomok Skipper Poanes 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 Zabulon Skipper, 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 Click to enlarge TriCounty School Forest, Waushara Co., WI, June 8, 2003. Click to enlarge Mount Morris County Park, Waushara Co., WI, June 2, 2005. http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/149-hobomok-skipper 6/5/2009 Hobomok Skipper — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 4 of 6 Click to enlarge Sandhill Wildlife Area, June 5, 2005. Click to enlarge Tie Mill Rd., Florence Co., WI. June 3, 2006. http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/149-hobomok-skipper 6/5/2009 Hobomok Skipper — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 5 of 6 Click to enlarge Lunch Creek Fishery Area, off Hwy. 21, Waushara Co., WI. June 1, 2007. Click to enlarge 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 Click to enlarge Moquah Barrens, Bayfield Co., WI. July 1, 2008. Female. Show lightbox © 2009 wisconsinbutterflies.org | contact | about http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/149-hobomok-skipper 6/5/2009.