least skipper

Ancyloxypha numitor

Identification:  Wingspan 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches.  Antennae are short. Upperside of forewing is orange with a wide, diffuse black border at the outer margin; hindwing is yellow-orange with a wide black margin. Underside of forewing is black with orange borders at the tip and leading edge; hindwing is yellow-orange.

Habitat:  Moist or wet open places with tall grasses, marshes, ditches, slow streams, hillsides, or old fields with tall grasses.

Garden Habit:  Males patrol for females with a low, fluttery flight through grassy areas. Females lay eggs singly on grass blades. Caterpillars feed on leaves and rest in nests of rolled or tied leaves. Third- and fourth-stage caterpillars hibernate.

Host Plants:  Various grasses including marsh millet, rice cutgrass, and cultivated rice.