Common
Sootywing
Pholisora catullus
Size: Up to 1.25 inch wingspan
Key ID features: Small. Above very dark brown to black with several small white spots near FW wingtip, row of tiny submarginal white spots on FW and HW. Below deep brown-black with a few white spots near the tip of the FW. Head mostly white.
Similar species: Common Roadside Skipper is browner, with checked wing fringes. Dun Skipper much lighter, lacks white FW spots above and below.
Host plant: Weedy species in the goosefoot family, such as lamb's quarters, goosefoot, pigweed, etc.
Habitat: Disturbed weedy areas, shrub desert, alkali flats, and along waterways.
Range: In north half of state, east of the Cascade Range and north of Crook County. In south half of state, east of Lake County.
Season: Late March to early September
Abundance: Common
Conservation Status: Secure