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Crossline Skipper
Polites origenes (Fabricius), 1793 Identification: Wingspan: 1 and 3/16 to 1 and 1/2." Similar to Tawnet-edged Skipper (P. themistocles), which see for detailed distinctions. Distribution: Extreme southern Saskatchewan, western Dakotas and eastern Rockies east through the southern Great Lakes Region to central Maine; northeastern Texas east to northern Florida and throughout the mid-Atlantic States. North throughout New England to central Maine. Status in Massachusetts: Uncommon to locally common. Though widespread across the state with records from the westernmost border to Cape Cod and Islands, this species is less common than the Tawny-edged Skipper. Maximum: 5 on 3 July 1990, Westport (Bristol Co.). 
Flight Period in Massachusetts: One flight: from late June to early August. Extreme dates: 29 June 1986, Petersham (Worcester Co.), J. Baird and 10 August 1986, Sharon (Norfolk Co.), B. Cassie. Larval Food Plants: Grasses including Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium [Andropogon] scoparius ) and Purpletop (Tridens flavius) Adult Food Sources: Found nectaring on 15 species of flowering plants by atlas workers including Common Milkweed and Cow Vetch. Habitat: Old fields, power lines, sand barrens, and other open, relatively dry situations. Life Cycle: EGG: Pale green; dome-shaped. OVIPOSITION: Eggs are laid on hostplant grasses and hatch in approximately two weeks. LARVA: Dark brown and mottled with white; the head is black. CHRYSALIS: Bluish-gray with a darker head. OVERWINTERING STAGE: Third or fourth instar larva. Like the Tawny-edged, male Crosslines often perch in open situations awaiting receptive females. Caterpillars make a shelter by silking together the edges of a blade of grass. This account was contributed by Richard K. Walton and Christopher Leahy. This account was contributed by Richard K. Walton.
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