Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon)

Generally statewide but more common in the piedmont, the Zabulon Skipper is two-brooded in NC, with a spring brood and a summer brood. Zabulon Skippers show more sexual dimorphism than most grass skippers, with males being much more orange and territorial than the brownish females.

Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon), male
Durham Co., NC
13 Aug 2009

Nectaring on Hairy Elephantsfoot (Elephantopus tomentosus).

		Males often perch about waist or chest high along trails and fly out to challenge anything that comes near them!
Male Orange Co., NC 17 May 2005	Male Durham Co., NC 17 May 2005


Male Durham Co., NC 13 May 2004	Male Orange Co., NC 20 May 2004


Very tattered male Durham Co., NC 20 Aug 2005	Fresh male Graham Co., NC 28 Apr 2006

		White edge at top of hindwing distinguishes Zabulon female from all other skippers in NC.
Female Alamance Co., NC 6 June 2004	Female Durham Co., NC 30 May 2003


Durham Co., NC 2 May 2006	Durham Co., NC 2 May 2006


Female Orange Co., NC 17 May 2005	same individual


Female Orange Co., NC 21 Aug 2004	Female Orange Co., NC 17 May 2005

North Carolina Butterflies | North American Butterflies | Jeff's Nature Page

Updated on ... June 26, 2003 | Updated ... May 5, 2006 | jspippen@duke.edu