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J.E. Smith, 1797

Wingspan: 1 and 3/8 to 1 and 1/4." In Massachusetts, this species is most likely to be confused with the similar Dusted Skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna). The latter species‘ early flight would not coincide with the most likely time Clouded Shippers might appear in the state. Both, however, are dark skippers with white markings on the forewings and frosty dusting below. Accius lacks the characteristic white spot on the hindwing below as well as the white "eyebrows" of A. hianna. On accius the hindwing below has distinct blotches, with fresh specimens displaying a clouded, lavender hue on the trailing edge (also on ventral forewing).

Southern Texas east along the Gulf Coast to coastal South Carolina. Colonizers and strays northward to southern Illinois and Indiana eastward through Kentucky and Virginia and reaching as far north as southern New England.

No recent records. Klots (1951) mentions southern New England and Massachusetts as within this species range. Glassberg (1993) cites a "major irruption . . . in to the northeast" in the fall of 1991 with five records for the New York City area.

Year-round in Florida and Texas. Perhaps most likely to occur in our area in late summer and early fall.

Grasses.

Information for this species in Massachusetts is currently unavailable.

Open grassy areas; also woodland and wetland edges

Information for this species in Massachusetts is currently unavailable.

Brian Cassie