Umber Skipper (Lon melane) is in the Skippers family (Hesperiidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 16,840 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: spring and fall migrant. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Umber Skipper: observations by month (U.S.)
About Umber Skipper
Poanes melane, the umber skipper, is a butterfly of the family Hesperiidae. It is found in California (west of the Sierra Nevada divide), southern Arizona, Baja California, the highlands of Mexico and Central America. The habitat consists of desert foothills, grassy areas, streamsides, roadsides, yards, parks and open oak woodland.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Umber Skipper by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 16,840 | May | Apr–Oct |
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 Umber Skipper?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to October.
Where is Umber Skipper most often seen?
The most observations come from California.