New Jersey Butterfly Club

Tawny-edged Skipper

Polites themistocles

Identification: Tiny—FW ~0.5". Sexes similar below. Above: Male: Bright orange extends from leading edge of FW to thick, non-tapering stigma, which is parallel to leading edge of FW and separates orange along leading edge from dark brown remainder of wing (which includes a single rectangular orange spot at outer end of stigma). Female FW is overall dark brown, sometimes with a tawny leading edge, and includes 3 pale "bracelet" spots" toward wingtip, 2 or 3 conspicuous pale spots across wing, and a pale cell spot. In both sexes HW is unmarked brown, sometimes with a slightly paler center. Below: FW and HW dull brownish to orange, HW sometimes with a faint band of pale postmedian spots. Dull brown HW contrasts with orangey leading edge of FW, especially in fresh individuals. Similar skippers: Crossline is noticeably larger, and usually shows less contrast below between FW and HW; spotband on HW below usually present and sometimes quite conspicuous. Crossline male FW above has 2 rectangular pale spots at end of stigma, and stigma angles inward and tapers toward body. Female HW above lacks pale center of Crossline.

NJ Status and Distribution: Resident. Widespread and fairly common throughout.

Habitat: Open grassy areas. Commonly visits flower gardens.

Flight Period: Two broods from mid-May to early October with peaks in late May and August in the north, and in early June to mid-July and late July to September in the south. Extreme dates: North Jersey 5/10—10/14; South Jersey 5/8—10/15.

Caterpillar Food Plants: Low-growing panic grasses (Panicum spp.), crabgrass (Digitaria spp.), bluegrasses (Poa spp.).

Overwintering Stage: Pupa.

Good Locations: Kittatinny Valley SP, Schooley’s Mountain CP, Willowwood Arboretum, Tatum Park, Duke Farms, Big Brook Park, Greenwood Forest WMA, Riverwinds Scenic Trail.

Comments: Not all individuals can be confidently separated from Crossline Skipper, especially when worn.