Poweshiek Skipperling
Vince Cavalieri/USFWS
Small butterfly measuring an inch in length. Its dorsal side is a dark brown with an orange head and wing margins. The undersides of the wings are lighter in color with prominent white veins.
Status in North Dakota
Possible resident.
Range Map
Poweshiek Skipperling possible/uncommon range (light gray).
Reason for SWAP Designation
SGCN (a). Regionally or globally imperiled.
Listed as Endangered by the USFWS. Loss of habitat is the driving concern.
Threats
The loss of native prairie is the primary cause for this species decline.
Poweshiek Skipperling are also absent from native grasslands that are intensely grazed or often burned.
Lack of management to suitable sites which allows encroachment of invasive species is also a problem.
This species does not have the ability to move great distance so suitable sites may be absent of Dakota Skipper from lack of immigration from other populations.
The use of herbicide for weed control at certain times of the year in native prairie tracts may also be a detriment by reducing nectar sources for the butterfly.
Insecticide use near populations may also a factor.
Research and Monitoring
The USFWS will continue to monitor previously occupied sites in North Dakota.
Previously, Royer surveyed 29 sites in North Dakota for Dakota Skipper and Poweshiek Skipperling.
Royer and Marrone also developed a conservation status of the Poweshiek Skipperling for the USFWS in 1992.
Continued monitoring of potential sites for presence of Poweshiek Skipperling is recommended.
Management Recommendations
- Develop pollinator habitat.
- Protect and manage high quality native prairie.
- When using prescribed fire to manage do not burn entire area of know population. Use techniques to promote patchy burns. Burn prior to May 1 when possible.
- Delay haying of habitat until after end of adult flight. Leave 8 inches of structure to provide over-wintering cover. Do not hay entire occupied site each season when possible.
- Limit the duration and intensity of grazing in Dakota Skipper habitat. Do not graze habitat for entire season and manage for.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
Poweshiek Skipperling is found in high quality native tracts of tall and mixed grass prairie. Bluestem is indicative of the habitat.
Purple Coneflower is often found in these sites as well.
Preferred areas are considered wet-to-dry prairie with mesic hillsides near low moist areas within undisturbed habitat.
The Poweshiek Skipperling is considered extirpated within North Dakota.
Three sites have been proposed as critical habitat by the USFWS in Sargent and Richland counties.