Swarthy Skipper
(Nastra lherminier)
This skipper is a southern species that occasionally strays north and has been seen in one southernmost county in Michigan and in Wisconsin. In Illinois this species has only been seen in four counties. This species is fairly nondescript and could easily be overlooked.
Identifying characteristics: Above, this species is dark brown, with no markings. Below, the Swarthy Skipper is a much lighter yellowish brown with somewhat lighter veins.
Similar species: Jeff Glassberg in “Butterflies through Binoculars: The East", says that this species could be confused with a worn Tawny-edged Skipper if seen from below. I was sent a photo of a Dun Skipper from above, and I wasn’t able to distinguish it from another published photo of the Swarthy Skipper. A week later I went up north and saw 100s of Dun Skippers and I got several photos similar to the one that was sent to me, and I believe that it definitely could be confused with a Dun Skipper from above, so any determination of this species should include good looks at this species from both above and below.
Habitat: Roadsides, old fields, and savannahs.
Flight: This species had two broods farther south and strays may occur in either brood and therefore could potentially be seen from late May to late August.
Abundance: A rare stray in Wisconsin.
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Swarthy Skipper
Nastra lherminier