Wing span: 2.7-2.9 cm (Males), to 3.3 cm. (females).

Flight time: The first adult individuals stray from the south in June. The offspring of these migrants constitute the bulk of the Iowa flight, which occurs from early August through late October.

Status: Frequent, non-overwintering, resident.

Distinguishing features: Adults are tan-orange, with males having a prominent stigma with a gray shadow toward the rear. Dark finger-like projections form a ragged border above. Females are larger and darker with a nearly solid border above; the lower hindwing has a dark stripe in the area of the anal veins, with small dark patches throughout.

Distribution and habitat: Although it has been observed across the entire state, most Fiery Skipper encounters have taken place in the western half. Adults are encountered in a wide variety of native and man-made habitats, and often frequent flower gardens.

Natural History: The Fiery Skipper is not tolerant of Iowa winters, and populations are probably killed off each year. Caterpillars feed on weedy grasses such as crab and Bermuda grass.

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