Yuma Skipper (butterfly) – State Wildlife Action Plan

Yuma Skipper (butterfly)

Photo is needed for this SGCN.

The Yuma skipper has a wingspan of less than 1.75 inches in size. Golden, tan-orange in color above, pale tan below. Males with black margin on outer edge of both wings dorsally, a long, narrow stigma on the dorsal forewing, and a bright ventral hindwing. Females look similar but lack the forewing stigma and may have pale spotbandsd and black basal smudges on the ventral hindwing.

Overview

  • Species Common Name Yuma Skipper (butterfly)
  • Species Scientific Name Ochlodes yuma

Ecoregions

Special needs

This species is patchily distributed, restricted to wetlands where its host plant occurs. The common reed (Phragmites australis) is the known host plant for the Yuma skipper. It appears
that O. yuma utilizes only the native genotypes of P. australis ssp. americanus. Species is found near reed beds along streams, seeps, wetlands, marshes, and other wet areas in alkaline lowlands.

Limiting factors

Threatened by destruction of wetland habitats and water diversion projects. Sensitive to dry conditions that may affect the distribution and persistence of its host plant. Invasive, non-native Phragmites spp. may pose a threat, as this species can overtake native
Phragmites habitats and O. yuma does not appear to utilize stands of the non-native common reed in Oregon. Other invasive wetland plants may alter habitats. The limited distribution of Yuma skipper makes it vulnerable to local extirpation.

Conservation actions

Monitor existing populations and habitat. Survey suitable habitat for new populations. Manage habitat to provide preferred native host plant species. Train land managers to differentiate between the native and non-native Phragmites to prevent weed management where native plants exist. Maintain hydrologic regimes in occupied habitats.

Key reference or plan

Hietala-Henschell, K. and C. Fallon. 2019. Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) Species Fact Sheet: Ochlodes yuma. USDA Forest Service Region 6 and USDI Bureau of Land Management Oregon State Office. 18 pp.