Mardon Skipper Butterfly

Mardon Skipper Butterfly
Photo Credit: Rich Hatfield, The Xerces Society

Overview

  • Species Common Name Mardon Skipper Butterfly
  • Species Scientific Name Polites mardon

Ecoregions

Special needs

Mardon skippers inhabit meadows. Larvae feed on native fescue (grass). These butterflies are rare and localized in their distribution.

Limiting factors

This species is naturally rare with disjunct populations. Loss of grassland habitat and degradation of remaining grasslands by invasive plants are harmful to mardon skippers. Populations appear to be declining, are highly restricted, and face additional threats from drying meadows and increasing off-highway vehicle use.

Conservation actions

Maintain and restore meadow habitat. Continue ongoing habitat restoration and monitoring efforts.