Skippers

Skippers are a group of butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, named for their rapid, darting flight. They are generally small to medium in size, with stout bodies, relatively broad heads, and antennae that end in a hooked club. Their wings are often drab with brown, orange, or metallic markings, and many species hold their wings at rest in a characteristic angle that gives them a chunky appearance. Their morphology, including the hooked antennae and robust bodies, helps distinguish them from other butterflies.

Skippers are diurnal and frequent sunny habitats such as grasslands, woodlands, and gardens. The family is diverse worldwide, with thousands of species. Major groups include the grass skippers (subfamily Hesperiinae) and the spread-wing skippers (Pyrginae), among others. Larvae typically feed on a variety of plants, with many grass skippers relying on grasses or related hosts. Caterpillars often create shelter by tying or rolling leaves, and they may display reduced prolegs compared with other caterpillars. Pupation occurs in plant tissue or within sheltered locations.

The common name “skipper” reflects their distinctive, quick flight, which involves sharp turns and bursts of speed. Skippers inhabit many ecosystems and are especially diverse in tropical regions, though they occur on most continents. They play a role in pollination and serve as prey for a range of predators, contributing to the ecological complexity of their habitats.

The word skipper also appears outside entomology as a general term for the captain or leader of a vessel or group, reflecting the sense of directing or “skipping ahead” in movement.