Raising of Broad-winged Skippers

[Shueyi at aol.com]

 <<The majority of the newly hatched larvae refused 
to eat the choice of hostplants supplied (Panicum clandestinum, Panicum 
lanuginosum, Dactylis glomerata, Poa pratensis, Cyperus esculentus, and 
Phragmites communis) or ate reluctantly and died at later instar (2nd or 
3rd).&nbsp; These hostplants were chosen because they were found in the
vicinity 
of the large adult colony where the females were obtained.&nbsp; Panicum 
lanuginosum and Phragmites communis (contrary to most published material that
I 
have consulted) were completely rejected by all the 
larvae:..>>

I have raised Poanes viator viator with little problem on various Carex
species - mostly Carex lacustris but also C. stricta.  The key for young
larvae is to have very fresh new growth for them to feed on (high N content).
You are probably rearing the coastal subspecies (very probably a full species
in its own right) which is a Phagmites feeder according to the literature.
But what the hey, give Carex a try.

John Shuey