Dusky Roadside-Skipper
Amblyscirtes alternata
Dusky Roadside-Skipper is uncommon in Middle Georgia and in the Coastal Plain. It is tiny and often goes unnoticed, so it is probably under-reported. The habitat is open mature pine woods with grass in the understory, pine flat woods and sandhills. Most sightings have been in the Piedmont National Forest near Macon where some of our most experienced observers live. The hostplants are not well known, but bearded skeletongrass (Gymnopogon ambiguus) is often cited. There are two flights: April and May into early June and late July and August into early September. Early Date: April 4 (Talbot County); Late Date: August 25 (Monroe County). Conservation Status: Uncertain, but all colonies should be protected. It may be more widespread that is currently known.
