Crossline Skipper - male

Description:

A common northeastern skipper, similar to the Tawny-edged skipper, except for the band of faint spots on the underside of the hindwing. Adults nectar at at white, pink or purple flowers.

Habitat:

Southern Ontario - eastern U.S.. Open grassy areas including prairies hills, barrens, power line cuts, old fields, forest openings. Host Plants: Purpletop (Tridens flavus), little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), and other grasses.

Notes:

Observed on Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum). Skippers are important pollinators and their presence is indicative of a healthy ecosystem, as they are sensitive to pesticides and toxins.