Dakota skipper (Photo by Phil Delphey/Wikimedia Commons)
Dakota skipper
What does it look like?
Native to North America, the Dakota skipper is part of the skipper family and gets its name from its unique “skipping” flight. The species is a small prairie butterfly with a wingspan of 21 to 33 millimetres. The butterfly shares similar characteristics with other skippers, including a stout, short body and hooked antennae.
Male and female Dakota skippers vary in colour. The male’s dorsal (upper) wing surface ranges from orange to brown in colour, with a distinct dark brown mark on its forewing. The female’s dorsal wing surface is a darker brown with varying amounts of orange and characteristic pale spots on its forewing.
Where does it live?
In Canada, the butterfly can be found in southern Manitoba and extreme southeastern Saskatchewan. The species is restricted to native prairie habitats, particularly tall grass (grasslands with a diversity of wildlife and grass species that reach heights of over two metres) and mixed-grass prairies (grasslands containing elements typical to both tall grass and short-grass prairies). Dakota skipper habitats are characterized by mesic (habitats containing modest amounts of moisture) tall-grass prairie and upland (high ground) dry-mesic mixed grass prairie.
Dakota skippers are habitat specialists, and are dependent on a variety of prairie-specific plants as they go through different developmental stages. Bluestem, a grass species, is abundant on both habitat types and is one of the few prairie species the butterfly relies on.
What is this species' conservation status?
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed the Dakota skipper as endangered. Widespread degradation and loss of appropriate habitat threaten the species, as it has specific habitat requirements that, if not met, can contribute to its decline. Pest control, overgrazing and the conversion of habitats for non-grassland farming are some of the factors contributing to the destruction of its habitat.
What is NCC doing to protect habitat for this species?
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is working to protect this species by conserving its habitats, including the Interlake Natural Area and Tall Grass Prairie Natural Area in Manitoba. These areas support a diversity of wildlife and habitat types.
