Endangered Resources Program Species Information
Cobweb Skipper (Hesperia metea)

Cobweb Skipper Photo by Mike Reese. Check the photos tab for additional photos.
Photo © Mike Reese

Overview

Species Overview

Cobweb skipper (Hesperia metea), a State Special Concern butterfly, has been found in pine barrens and oak savanna. Its host plants are big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). This skipper is a univoltine species. Adults are present from mid May to early June. Fully grown caterpillars hibernate.

Status and NHI Documented Occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status (State and Federal Status) and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Cobweb Skipper (Hesperia metea). See the Working List Key for more information about the abbreviations used. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. For invertebrates, dots depict locations from the "Invertebrate Atlas," a database with occurrences of rare and common aquatic and select terrestrial invertebrate species found in Wisconsin and adjacent areas. While the invertebrate atlas is a quality assured database, not all records have been verified. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Summary Information
State Status:	SC/N
Federal Status in Wisconsin:	none
State Rank:	S2
Global Rank:	G4G5
Tracked by NHI:	Y
Species of Greatest Conservation Need:	Y

Documented locations of Hesperia metea in the Natural Heritage Inventory Database as of April 2009.

Detailed Information

Identification: In males, the wings above are dull orange bordered with black. Forewings have a wide black band along the outer margin with orangish-cream spots apically, and a black stigma filled with gray. Wings of the females are black above with little or no trace of orange, the forewings marked with orangish-cream spots. Undersides of both sexes are brown and prominently marked with postmedian cream spots on both forewings and hindwings. Named for the alternating pattern of light and dark contrast on wing undersides that give a "cobwebbed" appearance. The early season flight distinguishes H. metea from other Wisconsin Hesperia species. Wingspan: 25-30 mm. Length of forewing: 13-15 mm. Larvae are brown with a distinct narrow greenish dorsal line (Howe 1975).

Similar Species: Female dusted skippers (Atrytonopsis hianna) may also occur at the same time in the same habitat. They are a similar brown, but larger and lack well-defined white spots below, particularly on the forewing.

Habitat: Pine barrens and oak savanna.

Nectar Source: Low-growing plants: strawberry (Fragaria spp.), bird's-foot violet (Viola pedata), blackberry (Rubus spp.), rock cress (Arabis lyrata) and clover.

Host Plant: Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).

Associated Species: Often found with the dusted skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna), another bluestem feeder. The cobweb skipper is typically out about a week earlier than the dusted skipper..

State Distribution: A localized species in Wisconsin. Adams, Burnett, Douglas, Eau Claire, Florence, Jackson, Juneau, Marinette, Monroe, Oconto, Sauk and St. Croix Counties.

Global Distribution: Southern Maine west through Wisconsin, south through the Gulf States and eastern Texas.

Threats: Habitat loss due to woody species and forest encroachment. Overwintering larvae may be exposed and vulnerable to being killed by fire, and may be impacted by Bt spraying for gypsy moth control.

Phenology: Adults are present from mid May to early June.

Life History: Univoltine. Larvae construct silken shelters among leaves of the host plant but may feed some distance away from them. Pupation takes place in a loose cocoon constructed amid debris (MacNeill in Howe 1975). Fully grown caterpillars hibernate (Pyle 1997). A remnant-dependent species.

Survey Guidance: The males in particular are difficult to spot and follow, as they blend in with the dry grass present during their flight. Females are more often seen on flowers. Adults fly in search of new grass growth in recently burned or cleared areas (Pyle 1997). New county records should be documented with voucher specimens.

Inventory, Monitoring and Research Needs: Locate additional populations, particularly in sites managed with fire.

Management Guidance: Sites managed with fire should be divided into several burn units leaving refugia as a necessary precaution.

Information originally presented as part of the Online Field Guide to Rare Lepidoptera: Bogs and Barrens.

Photos

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