Category Archives: Host plants are various grasses

A Sachem

August 30, 2025

A Sachem (Atalopedes campestris), one of the skippers. The host plants of Sachems are various grasses. Adults like this one, enjoy the nectar of a vast variety of flowers, including this Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).

The Sachem is native to the southern US, Mexico, Central America and further south into Brazil. They’re migratory, moving north over much of the US, and occasionally into Canada as the weather warms.

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Tiny Skippers

Yesterday afternoon several Sachem Skippers (Atalopedes campestris) were found on patches of Mist Flower (Conoclinium coelestinum) flitting from flower to flower.

They’re plentiful here in Virginia from July through September. Their host plants are many grasses, including Crab Grass, and Bermuda Grass. Adults feed on the nectar of a vast assortment of flowers.

The wingspan of the Sachem Skipper is between 1 to 1.5 inches. Pretty small.

Keep your eyes open. Notice what is around you. The world of nature is there, just waiting to be discovered.

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