The tiniest of our skippers keeps low and is easy to overlook. Normally found in the Coastal Plain in areas with short Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon, the host plant) on nectar sources close to the ground. The minute size and white streak in the middle of the underside of the hindwing makes it easy to ID.

Eagle Island, Brunswick Co., NC 8/27/05.

They are very fast fliers, unlike the slightly larger Least Skipper. Least Skipper occurs in wet habitats and usually with tall grass, while Southern Skipperling is generally in short, dry grass. However, they are sometimes found in the same spot.

Eagle Island, Brunswick Co., NC 8/24/02.

Hoke Co., NC 9/12/04.

In the typical "jet plane" posture.

Hoke Co., NC 9/12/04.

Note the size in comparison to the blade of grass.

New Hanover Co., NC 8/28/04.