Flame Sedge Skipper showing upper wing.
Photo: Mononymous/iNaturalist
Flame Sedge Skipper showing under wing.
Photo: Mononymous/iNaturalist
Scientific Name: Hesperilla idothea
Family of Butterflies: Hesperiidae (skippers)
Other Common Names: Flame Skipper
Size: Wingspan 36mm, male, 39mm, females.
Local Records: This species has only been recorded in the southern part of our region near Lyonville and Wombat Forest where the climate is cooler and wetter. There are four recent records on iNaturalist.
Distribution outside our region: In Victoria most records are from the south of the state, in particular,
the Grampians, Yarra Valley and West Gippsland and far East Gippsland. Outside Victoria this species
has been recorded from the Adelaide Hills, Tasmania and coastal NSW.
Larval Host Plants: Saw sedges, Gahnia spp.
Larval association with ants: None
Adult Flight Times in Victoria: Most records are from November to February
Conservation Status:
- The Action plan for Australian Butterflies: Vulnerable in Australia
Other Notes: This is probably a rare species for our region but may be overlooked due to similarities to
other members of this group.
References and further reading:
Atlas of Living Australia – Hesperilla idothea, Flame Sedge-skipper.
iNaturalist Australia – Hesperilla idothea ssp idothea, Flame Sedge-skipper.