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