Sheep Skipper (Atrytonopsis edwardsii [Barnes & McDunnough])
Wing span: 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inches (3.2 - 3.8 cm).
Identification: Forewing fringes are checkered. Upperside is dark brown; forewing with large clear spots, hindwing with small separate postmedian spots that are not in a line. Underside is brown; hindwing with gray overscales; upperside markings are repeated.
Life history: From early morning to noon, males perch on rocks on south-facing slopes of gullies to wait for females. Adults have a rapid flight.
Flight: At least two broods from March-November.
Caterpillar hosts: Various grasses including sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) and green spangletop (Leptochloa dubia).
Adult food: Nectar from flowers including morning glory and chuparosa.
Habitat: Open woodland and grassy thorn forest.
Range: Southern Arizona and west Texas; south to Nicaragua.
