Long Dash (Limochores mystic) is in the Skippers family (Hesperiidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,144 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Long Dash: observations by month (U.S.)
About Long Dash
Limochores mystic, the long dash or long dash skipper, is a species of butterfly. The species is commonly found in north of North America and in mountains in the south of North America, in grassy habitats. The grassy areas include meadows, marshes, streamsides, wood edges, and prairie swales. On the top, the species has dark brown reddish to yellowish-orange markings. The forewing of the female has a broad black patch at the base. The forewing of...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Long Dash by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 728 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Vermont | 724 | June | Jun–Jul |
| New York | 396 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Maine | 358 | July | Jun–Jul |
| Massachusetts | 352 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Wisconsin | 322 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Minnesota | 290 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Michigan | 216 | June | Jun–Jul |
| West Virginia | 141 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Pennsylvania | 138 | June | Jun–Jul |
| North Dakota | 109 | July | Jun–Jul |
| Maryland | 85 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Colorado | 81 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Connecticut | 39 | June | May–Jun |
| Ohio | 38 | June | Jun–Jun |
| South Dakota | 30 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Nebraska | 25 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Rhode Island | 16 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Washington | 16 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Virginia | 13 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Iowa | 7 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Idaho | 6 | July | Jul–Jul |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Skippers)
Fiery Skipper
Silver-spotted Skipper
Huron Skipper
Zabulon Skipper
Peck's Skipper
Horace's Duskywing
Clouded Skipper
Long-tailed Skipper
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Long Dash?
Nationally, June has the most observations, with the main season from June to July.
Where is Long Dash most often seen?
The most observations come from New Hampshire, Vermont, New York.