description Fiery Skipper Overview
The fiery skipper, Hylephila phyleus, is a small butterfly in the skipper family, Hesperiidae, found across much of North America and in parts of Central and South America. Adults have orange or yellow-orange wings with darker markings, and males and females differ in their patterns. Its caterpillars feed mainly on grasses, including turf grasses, so the species may occur in lawns, parks, fields, and other disturbed habitats.
help Fiery Skipper FAQ
How can I tell a male fiery skipper from a female?
The fiery skipper is Hylephila phyleus, and the male has a broad black stigma on the upper wing. The female is darker brown with a very irregular orange band. [Butterflies and Moths of North America](https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/hylephila-phyleus)
Why are fiery skippers common around lawns?
Their caterpillars use grasses found in lawns, especially Bermuda grass, Cynodon dactylon, and St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum. Adults visit flowers for nectar and often lay eggs near flower beds beside suitable grass. [University of Florida IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1194)
What does a fiery skipper caterpillar do inside grass?
The larva is mainly active at night and rolls or ties grass leaves into a horizontal shelter. It feeds on grasses such as crabgrass, Bermuda grass, and St. Augustinegrass. [University of Florida IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1194)
Where and when can I see fiery skippers?
The species ranges from the southern United States through the West Indies and Central America to Argentina. It has several broods from May through August in the north, while Florida and South Texas can have adults all year. [Butterflies and Moths of North America](https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/hylephila-phyleus)
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