Southern Broken-Dash
Wallengrenia otho
The Southern Broken-Dash is a small orange-brown skipper found in sunny Florida yards, fields, and woodland edges.
This quick-flying butterfly visits flowers in open grassy areas and rests with its wings partly open. Caterpillars use native and lawn grasses.
Pesticide-free patches of grass and nectar flowers support its full life cycle.
Habitat:
Grasslands and Agricultural Areas, Urban and Residential Areas, Forests and Woodlands
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Caterpillars eat grasses. Adults drink nectar from Spanish needles, asters, lantana, and other small flowers.
Behavior:
Adults make fast darting flights, bask on leaves, and males perch in sunny openings while watching for females.
Day
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm sunny days from spring through fall in flowering yards, fields, and woodland edges.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Widespread and not considered imperiled in Florida. Broad insecticide use and loss of flowering habitat reduce local numbers.
Safety Level:
Low Risk
Safety Information:
Harmless. Avoid spraying nectar flowers or grass patches used by caterpillars.
Benefits to Property:
Adults pollinate flowers and both life stages support birds and other insect-eating wildlife.
Property Concerns:
Caterpillar feeding on grasses is minor and does not damage a healthy lawn or pasture.
Fun Fact:
The broken-dash name refers to the interrupted pale mark on the underside of the hindwing.
Wildlife Laws:
No special statewide listing applies. Collection may be restricted on protected lands, and pesticide labels must be followed.
Identification:
Look for warm orange-brown wings, a curved dark stigma on males, and a short broken pale band on the hindwing underside. The body is stout and the antenna tips are hooked.