Insect Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: American Branded Skipper, Spring Mountains Comma Skipper
  • Synonyms: Erynnis comma colorado, Hesperia comma colorado
  • Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
  • Family: Hesperiidae (Skippers)
  • Genus Information: 5 species in NV, 11 in CA, 20 in US

Distribution

  • Distribution: It is found in the Spring Mountains
  • Seen: Mount Charleston (8/11)
  • Habitat: open, sunny areas like meadows, fields, and forest edges
  • Food: The larval host plants are probably perennial grasses; the adults nectar on a variety of flowers, including thistles (Cirsium spp.), rabbitbrushes and goldenweeds (Ericameria spp.), and Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium), among others.

Photographs

Spring Mountains Comma Skipper (Hesperia colorado mojavenesis)

Mount Charleston (8/11)

Spring Mountains Comma Skipper (Hesperia colorado mojavenesis)

Mount Charleston (8/11)