Sachem

Sachem, Atalopedes campestris

Sachem are small grass skippers reaching only up to 4.2 cm (1.6 in) with wingspan. The males are yellow-orange on the upperside while females are usually very dark with distinct yellow spotting. While the adults feed on the nectar from a variety of flowers including milkweed, buttonbush, thistle, aster, dogbane, and sunflower, the caterpillar live off grasses including Bermuda grass, Dallis grass, crabgrass, and goosegrass.

Sachem perched on car door.

Sachem are often found in the southern states down into Mexico, but may stray as far north as southern Canada during autumn migration. In recent years, their range has expanded further north and emerging earlier in the spring. They typically have three broods a year, but may have up to five broods in its more southern range. They can be seen breeding in mowed lawns and other open areas.