Hesperia colorado leussleri
Leussler's Branded Skipper
This can be the most common skipper in certain montane habitats in southern California. It flies in the summer, and looks similar to the Juba skipper (females at least) but is slightly smaller, with less bold ventral markings. Warner Hot Springs in San Diego County is the type locality, with others in the type series from Big Bear and Idyllwild. This is a summer flyer; my records are from May, June, and July, with most in June. In early summer it is common in the San Bernardino mountains.
Leussler's branded skipper, a subspecies of the common branded skipper. Pacific Crest Trail east of Van Dusen Cyn Rd, Big Bear on May 26, 2006.
A male. Icehouse Canyon near Mt. Baldy, June 19, 2007.
A female, also Icehouse Canyon on June 19, 2007.
A male at Keen Camp Summit Road. May 23, 2022.
Party on the thistle. Pacific Crest Trail west of Polique Cyn Rd, Big Bear, July 2, 2006.
On June 23rd I was in Moonridge, and watched a female oviposit. I took the egg for micro-photos and was surprised to see this texture. I got some grass from nearby so I'll attempt to rear it, though a caterpillar shouldn't emerge from the egg until next spring.
Lindsey named this as a "form" in 1940.
©Dennis Walker
