Alabama Butterfly Atlas

Crossline Skipper is named for the straight black stigma that crosses its forewing diagonally rather than running lengthwise. (Stigmas are a dark line of scales on male butterflies that release pheromones during courtship). In spite of this distinctive field mark, trying to distinguish some individuals from the similar Tawny-edged Skipper can deal even seasoned lepidopterists fits. Many field guides indicate that habitat can help to make the distinction: Crosslines prefer dry areas while Tawnies choose wet ones. Unfortunately, evidence does not fully support this, with many field reports listing both species in the same area.  In Alabama, Crosslines have repeatedly been reported from Splinter Hill Bog as well as Coleman and Payne Lakes. Habitat distinctions are not absolute. For specific information about to identify Crossline Skippers click the "Get Identification Help" link above.

Crossline Skippers have a low, rapid flight. Males perch on low vegetation, short grass, or bare soil. They sips moisture and nutrients from damp areas along dirt roads or other open areas.  Females deposit single eggs on blades of host grasses.  Caterpillars use silk to tie blades together to form tubular shelters.  They eat the upper part of the blades until eventually, a new shelter is required. Pupation occurs at the base of the plant in a shelter constructed from duff and grass stems. The caterpillar seals it with a thick plug of wax flakes (made by special abdominal wax glands) and silk. The chrysalis is formed within the shelter. Partially grown caterpillars from the year's last brood plug their shelter and spend the winter within it, completing development in the spring.  

These skippers range across most of the eastern and central United States. Due to identification issues, they are undoubtably under-reported in Alabama.