Description
The Dusted Skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna) is a small butterfly with dark brown wings, a dusting of lighter scales, and faint pale spots on the forewings, commonly found in dry grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands across eastern and central North America.
Range
It is found throughout the state except the northeastern fourth, but realistically restricted to a band from the southeastern counties to about St. Cloud due to habitat loss.
Similar Species
None. The white “eyebrow” on Dusted differentiates it from other brown skippers.
Host Plants
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Other warm-season grasses found in open, sunny habitats.
Flight
Late-May and June