This small skipper has a wingspan of approximately 1 inch. Ventrally, the hindwing is purplish-brown with a large, curved postmedial patch consisting of squarish yellow spots. Dorsally, the wings are orange with dark brown borders. The hindwing is marked with brown veins. The mature caterpillar is approximately 1 inch in length. It is tan to orange-brown with short, dense light-colored hairs giving it a velvety appearance. There are pale cross-rings at each segment. The head is a plain rusty-brown color.
This skipper is fairly common in late spring to midsummer. It has only one brood, so is not seen later in the season. Look for it nectaring on flowers in the gardens around FFNC, the Wetlands Center and Neale Woods. I seems especially fond of the Blue Flags that grow along the Wetlands Center boardwalk.
The male Zabulon Skipper is very similar to the male Hobomok. However, Zabulons usually are seen in August and September after the Hobomok adults are gone. The larva makes a shelter by rolling up a grass blade, and later ties several grass blades together to make a long shelter. They feed mostly at night. Host plants are various grasses, including panic grass, love grass and purple-top.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Babs Padelford.