Columbian Skipper (Hesperia columbia [Scudder])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 5/16 inches (2.2 - 3.4 cm).
Identification: Above bright orange or dark orange with surrounding dark areas. Underside of hindwing with chevron limited to small bright white spots only in portion closest to inner margin of hindwing.
Life history: Males perch on hilltops to await females.
Flight: March to June, September to October (2 flights).
Caterpillar hosts: Grass (Koehleria cristata).
Adult food: Nectar from various flowers.
Habitat: Chaparral, edges and hilltops in or near chaparral.
Range: Southwest Oregon south through Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills of California to Baja California Norte.
