Description
The Arogos Skipper (Atrytone arogos) is a small, orange-brown butterfly with plain forewings and darker hindwing borders, typically found in tallgrass prairies and sandy grasslands across the central and eastern United States, where it relies on native grasses such as bluestem for its lifecycle. Becoming more and more rare throughout its range. I haven’t yet seen this species in Minnesota, but was lucky enough to see a few in eastern Colorado and those are featured in the images above.
Range
Southern third of Minnesota, but there have not been any recent sightings.
Similar Species
Delaware Skipper is very similar but Arogos has wider dark areas in the forewing margin above, white veining below, and dark fringe.
Host Plants
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – preferred host, Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Flight
Late June through July