Latin Name:  Carterocephalus palaemon (Pallas, 1771)
                        (R. Bercha, det.)

Wingspan:  20 - 30 mm

Range: Throughout Alberta

Habitat:  Meadows, forest clearings, and forested areas, scarce in the prairies

Time of year seen: May to August  (Additional Sightings)

Caterpillar's Diet:  Broad-leaf grasses

Other:  The Arctic Skipper is the sole member of the sub-family Heteropterinae in Alberta.  It is a widespread species found across northern Canada and much of Alberta.  In Alberta it is found in various habitats including: meadows, clearing and mixed, poplar and pine forests.  It is absent from the Cypress Hills and southern prairies.  The Arctic Skipper has distinctive marks on its wings: the dorsal side has orange patches on a dark brown background and the ventral side has white spots on a brownish - orange background.  (Bird et al, 1995)