Cobweb Skipper

Cobweb Skipper, Hesperia metea, is an early season grass skipper (subfamily Hesperiinae) found in the eastern United States. Its distribution is widespread but local in barrens, glades and grasslands. Throughout its range this species is single brooded. The hindwing below is brown with a crescent of irregular white patches with the white sometimes extending along the veins. The forewing above is brown with a few yellowish patches which are more extensive in the male. The leading edge of the forewing is whitish. The male has a dark stigma. The subspecies licinus found in Texas and Arkansas is very dark both above and below. Nectar sources include hoary puccoon (Lithospermum canescens), wild strawberry (Frageria virginiana), blackberry (Rubus spp.), and bird's-foot violet (Viola pedata). Larval foodplants of this species are big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi) and little bluestem (Schizachrium scoparium). Final instar caterpillars overwinter

Hesperia metea is a year-round resident of the eastern United States, with the exception of the midwest (Scott 1986). Habitats are dry grassy places in woods. Host plants are grasses restricted to genus Andropogon. Eggs are laid on or near the host plant singly. Individuals overwinter as mature larvae. There is one flight each year with the approximate flight time May 15- June 15 in the northern part of the range and March 15- April 15 in the most southern part of their range (Scott 1986).

Hesperia metea, the cobweb skipper, is a butterfly of the family Hesperiidae. It has a scattered distribution in the United States from southern Maine west to Wisconsin, south to central Georgia, the Gulf States and central Texas.

The wingspan is 29–35 mm. There is one generation with adults on wing from late March to early June.

The larvae feed on various grasses, including Schizachyrium scoparium and Andropogon gerardi. Adults feed on flower nectar from various low-growing plants, including Labrador tea, wild strawberry, blackberry, bird's-foot violet, winter cress, red clover, lilac, vervain, Carolina larkspur and wild hyacinth.

Hesperia metea museum specimen