Tawny-edged Skipper vs Pale Tussock
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tawny-edged Skipper | Pale Tussock |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polites themistocles | Calliteara pudibunda |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 20-27 mm wingspan | 40-65 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern and Central North America | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tawny-edged Skipper
A small brown skipper with a warm orange-tawny leading edge on the forewing. It is one of the most common grass skippers in eastern North America but is easily overlooked.
Did You Know?
It is named after the ancient Athenian general Themistocles, following a tradition of naming skippers after classical figures.
Pale Tussock
A fluffy grey-white moth with distinctively feathered legs held forward at rest. Its caterpillar is spectacular, with dense yellow or green hair tufts and a red tail tuft.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's bright hair tufts are irritating to skin and were once used in practical jokes.