Species Details
Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameDraco Skipper
SeasonalityOne generation per year, with the peak flight period in late June to mid July.
IdentificationThe Draco Skipper is most similar to the Hesperia skippers with its prominent whitish markings on the hindwing underside. It can be distinguished from all similar species by the length of the hindwing spot that extends towards the wing margin (it is 'out of line' with the other spots): in draco, this spot is longer than in Hesperia skippers, and extends towards the wing base at least to the inner edge of the adjacent spots. In Hesperia, it does not extend as far as the inner edge of the median spots.
Scientific Name
Polites draco
Common Name
Draco Skipper
Habitat
Montane, alpine and subalpine grasslands and meadows.
Seasonality
One generation per year, with the peak flight period in late June to mid July.
Identification
The Draco Skipper is most similar to the Hesperia skippers with its prominent whitish markings on the hindwing underside. It can be distinguished from all similar species by the length of the hindwing spot that…
The Draco Skipper is most similar to the Hesperia skippers with its prominent whitish markings on the hindwing underside. It can be distinguished from all similar species by the length of the hindwing spot that extends towards the wing margin (it is 'out of line' with the other spots): in draco, this spot is longer than in Hesperia skippers, and extends towards the wing base at least to the inner edge of the adjacent spots. In Hesperia, it does not extend as far as the inner edge of the median spots.
Life History
The immature stages are unknown. Adult males sip moisture at mud (Layberry et al. 1998).
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
There are no specific reports of larval host plants; larvae are presumed to feed on grasses. Adults nectar at yellow composites (Compositae) and Footsteps-of-Spring (Sanicula arctopoides) in other parts of this…
There are no specific reports of larval host plants; larvae are presumed to feed on grasses. Adults nectar at yellow composites (Compositae) and Footsteps-of-Spring (Sanicula arctopoides) in other parts of this species' range (Opler 1999).
Citation
Page Citation for Polites draco
Page Citation
"Species Details - Polites draco, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-2593. Accessed 08 May. 2024.
References
Author
Opler, Paul A.
Title
A field guide to western butterflies.
Publication Date
1999
Pages
540
Author
Bird, C. D., G.J. Hilchie, N.G. Kondla, E.M. Pike and F. A. H. Sperling
Title
Alberta Butterflies
Publication Date
1995
Pages
349
Specimen Information
There are 14 specimens of this Species.
UASM19171 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Blairmore
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1918-06-22
UASM19168 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Blairmore
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1918-06-22
UASM19165 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Blairmore
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1918-06-22
UASM19167 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1921-06-26
UASM19170 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Banff National Park, Banff
Collected ByMackie, Donald
Date Collected1925-06-28
UASM19169 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Banff National Park, Banff
Collected ByMackie, Donald
Date Collected1925-07-20
UASM33167 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Bragg Creek
Collected ByLawrie, D.
Date Collected1992-06-07
UASM33168 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, West Castle River Road
Collected ByLawrie, D.
Date Collected1993-07-31
UASM33169 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Water Valley
Collected ByLawrie, D.
Date Collected1994-06-11
UASM33170 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Water Valley
Collected ByLawrie, D.
Date Collected1990-07-14
UASM33171 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Kananaskis Country, Link Creek
Collected ByLawrie, D.
Date Collected1992-06-21
UASM33172 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Kananaskis Country, Link Creek
Collected ByLawrie, D.
Date Collected1992-06-21
UASM33173 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Kananaskis Country, Link Creek
Collected ByLawrie, D.
Date Collected1992-06-21
UASM41489 - Polites draco
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Waterton National Park
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2005-07-07