| Anatrytone logan (W. H. Edwards, 1863) |
| Status: Common to abundant resident |
| Flight Period(s): Two flights, the first from mid-June to early July with the second possibly a partial, being less common and found from mid August to early September. We have Nebraska records from 30 May – 20 October. |
| Range: This species occupies most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It is found statewide in Nebraska. |
| Larval Hostplant(s): Big bluestem (Andopogon gerardii) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). |
| Overwinter: As a partially grown caterpillar |
| Commentary/Habitat: The Delaware Skipper utilizes many marginal habitats (suburban yards, parks, road ditches and disturbed prairies) that other prairie skippers (Arogos, Ottoe and Cross-Line) cannot, as well as the higher quality native prairies that the latter frequent, and often becomes abundant whereas the latter are uncommon or rare. Observed nectar sources include thistles, gayfeathers, milkweeds, coneflowers, verbena and indian blanket. |
| Similar Species: The uniform bright orange ventral surface separates it from members of the genus Polites which have maculation or are smaller and duller. May also be confused with the Arogos skipper, but the Delaware skipper is generally somewhat larger and has black shading on the veins on the dorsal forewing. The margins of the dorsal forewing are black and distinct while the same margins in the Arogos skipper are more brownish and diffused. Resembles the Ottoe and Pawnee skippers on the underside, but examination of the dorsal surface easily separates them. |
