Hesperia juba

Juba Skipper

This grass-feeding skipper resembles H. colorado, but is more boldly marked on the wings below. Southern California is the southwestern corner of its range, but it isn't uncommon here.

Hesperia juba was named by Samuel Scudder in 1874 in volume 2 of the Memoirs read before the Boston Society of Natural History (see below). Scudder received the specimen from T.L. Mead, who collected it in Utah.

Juba Skipper - Hesperia juba
A Juba skipper on roadside rabbitbrush (along the S1 near Kwaaymii Point) in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, September 4, 2011.
Juba Skipper - Hesperia juba
This Juba skipper was at the same spot as above a few years earlier, October 6, 2007.
Juba Skipper - Hesperia juba
A male Hesperia juba, same time and place as above.
Juba Skipper - Hesperia juba
A female Juba skipper from the same location, same day.
Larva of Juba Skipper - Hesperia juba
Larva of Hesperia juba. These are difficult to find as they build nests within the grass. Thanks to Gordon Pratt for giving me this larva and the pupa below. March 6, 2020.
Pupa of Juba Skipper - Hesperia juba
The pupa of Hesperia juba.
Pupa of Juba Skipper - Hesperia juba
Scudder's original description of what is now called Hesperia juba.

©Dennis Walker