Zabulon Skippers are butterflies that prefer woody areas and a nearby water source. This means they can be found in rural areas as well as parks and nature reserves in more urban environments. Coloring is different between males and females. Males tend to have more yellow on their forewings while females are more brown. Males wait and look for females by resting on tall shrubs or other structures that offer peripheral views. Adults drink nectar from flowers that may be exotic or native to the region they live in. Look for them on honeysuckles, clover, Joe-Pye weed and thistles.
Caterpillars feed on grasses, both tall and short. Two generations can be produced in one year. This means adults can be seen flying from spring through autumn.
Scientific Name: Poanes zabulon
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 35mm to 42mm (1.37in to 1.64in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.