Leonard's Skipper

Hesperia leonardus is a year-round resident of the north central- northeastern United States, and into southern Canada (Scott 1986). Habitats are woodland meadows and clearings, prairie, and open Ponderosa pine woodland on crumbling Pikes Peak Granite soil. Host plants are multiple species of grasses. Eggs are laid haphazardly on or near the host plant. Individuals overwinter as first instar larvae. There is one flight each year with the approximate flight time Aug. 15- early Sept. in the northern part of the range, late Aug.-Sept. 15 in the southern part of their range, and Sept. 15- early Oct. in Arkansas (Scott 1986).

Adults sip flower nectar, especially from Liatris punctata. Males both patrol and perch for females (Scott, 1986).