ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Common Sooty Wing

 Common Sooty Wing


Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery
The common sootywing is one of more than 50 species of skippers in Ohio. Skippers are different from butterflies; they have atennae clubs that are hooked backward, stocky bodies, stronger wing muscles, and better eyes.

Common Sooty Wing
Pholisora catullus

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: May, June, August, and September

• Wings: 1 - 1.3 inches
Description
This very small black skipper has a row of small white dots along all dorsal wing margins.

Habitat and Habits
The common sooty wing inhabits open areas, fields, barren fields, and gardens. It prefers sunny areas far away from woods and is often found in barren muddy fields with little vegtation. It is also fond of mud puddles and will take nectar freely usually from flowers near the ground. It has a weak, but erratic flight just above the surface of the ground.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The larvae of the common sooty wing feed on lamb's quarters, and larvae spend the winter in a rolled leaf silk nest.