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Life Stages Diagram
The bars in this diagram show approximate times of the year when the butterfly will be present, in Nova Scotia, in its various life stages.

The dates shown for the adult stage are based on actual reports for Nova Scotia. The majority of reports will be within the period shown, but small numbers of adults will be earlier or later.

Dates for egg, larva and pupa are based on what information was available regarding time periods for eggs to develop, and typical time required for pupation. Like the adults, some records can be expected outside the date ranges we have shown. We caution that dates for these immature stages are mostly conjectural.

Arctic Skipper - Carterocephalus mandan
[Arctic Skipper image]
Arctic Skipper - Mount Uniacke - 2003-06-29
Photo © Peter Payzant
What's this?
Status in Nova Scotia
Common

Flight Period
Mid-May to late July.

Habitat
Grassy areas, but clearings in woody areas seem to have enough grass to qualify, too.

Larval Foodplants
Grasses.

Similar Species in Nova Scotia
None.

Notes
Until recently, this species was known as Carterocephalus palaemon. This is one of our easiest skippers to identify. Nothing else has this bold chequered pattern.

Further Reading


Arctic Skipper - Lansdowne, NS, 2011-07-05
Arctic Skipper - Lansdowne, NS - 2011-07-05
2011-07-05
Photo © Phil Schappert
Arctic Skipper - Spryfield, NS, 2011-06-24
Arctic Skipper - Spryfield, NS - 2011-06-24
2011-06-24
Photo © Phil Schappert
Arctic Skipper - Amherst, 2012-06-15
Arctic Skipper - Amherst - 2012-06-15
2012-06-15
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer