Arctic Skipper

Carterocephalus palaemon

Identification: Tiny—FW <0.5". Above: FW and HW dark brown with numerous squarish, orange spots throughout FW and on inner HW, and a row of small, submarginal, orange spots on HW. Below: FW orange with brown markings (but mostly hidden); HW orangey-brown with several roundish white spots of various sizes and a row of small, square white spots paralleling the margin.

NJ Status and Distribution: Former resident. A northern species that for many years was known from only one location, in High Point SP. Last reported in 2005.

Habitat: Herbaceous wetlands dominated by grasses and sedges.

Flight Period: One brood, late May to mid-June. Extreme dates: 5/20—6/21.

Caterpillar Food Plants: Wetland grasses, possibly Calamagrostis.

Overwintering Stage: Caterpillar.

Good Locations: None.

Connecticut Lakes, NH, 6/6/10.

Hight Point SP, Sussex Co., NJ, 6/1/95, on Wild Geranium.