Hayhurst's Scallopwing
Staphylus hayhurstii (W.H. Edwards, 1870)

Click on image for larger view

Diagnosis: This very small (wingspan: 19 to 24 mm) dark, almost black, skipper is easily recognized by its scalloped hindwing margins. There are a few small white spots on the costa, near the apex of the forewing.

Range: It occurs throughout the eastern U.S. except the Gulf coast, but extends into Canada only at Pelee Island, Ontario, where it is a resident. A previous colony at Point Pelee, Ontario, no longer exists; however, a stray was recorded there on 17 July 1988 (Wormington, 1989).

Specimen collection data
and dynamic map

Similar Species: None in Canada.

Early Stages: The larvae are deep green, becoming purplish towards the rear, covered with fine white hairs (Opler and Malikul, 1992). They live in leaf-nests on the foodplant Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album, Chenopodiaceae). The species has not been reared in Canada.

Abundance: This skipper is locally uncommon at several locations on Pelee Island. It is often seen in weedy locations where the foodplant is found.

Flight Season: In Canada records are in mid-June and again from 17 July to 14 September, probably representing two generations, as occur in the northern U.S.

Habits: When they perch on twigs or on the ground, they often spread their wings horizontally, like tiny duskywings.

© 2002. This material is reproduced with permission from The Butterflies of Canada by Ross A. Layberry, Peter W. Hall, and J. Donald Lafontaine. University of Toronto Press; 1998. Specimen photos courtesy of John T. Fowler.