Hoary Edge
(Achalarus lyciades)
The Hoary Edge is a rare stray in Wisconsin. This species has been found in Buffalo County in Wisconsin and in southeastern Minnesota, but has a spotty distribution in Illinois, and Iowa.
Identifying characteristics: Above, the Hoary Edge is a brown skipper with yellow spots in the middle of the forewing that enclose the brown wing color. Below, the hindwing has a white patch on the wing margin.
Similar species: The Silver-spotted Skipper has a similar looking upper forewing, but its yellow spots are continuous and do not enclose the brown wing color. The Silver-spotted Skipper also has a white spot in the middle of the hindwing below, not at the edge as in the Hoary Edge.
Habitat: Open areas near woodlands.
Flight: Two broods farther south. This species has not been known to breed here, but may stray occasionally to Wisconsin from farther south.
Abundance: A rare stray.
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Hoary Edge
Achalarus lyciades