The northern broken-dash has a wingspan of 1 to 1.5 inches (1.5-3.8cm). It is brown on its upperside and underside. The male has orange markings on its forewings near its stigma.
The stigma is a section of scent cells located on the forewings of the males of some species of butterflies. The female has cream-colored markings on her forewings.
The northern broken-dash is sometimes confused with the Dun skipper, and they are often found feeding together.
The northern broken-dash is found in fields, meadows, and other open areas near woods or scrubland.
The northern broken-dash caterpillar eats a variety of panic and switch grasses. The adult northern broken-dash eats nectar from pink, white, and purple flowers including dogbane, clover, and New Jersey tea.
In the northern part of its range, the northern broken-dash has one brood a year, usually between June and August. In the southern part of its range, it may have two broods a year between May and September.
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The northern broken-dash is found throughout New Hampshire.
In North America, the northern broken-dash is found from Ontario, Canada east to Quebec, Canada, and south to Texas and Florida.
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