Individuals intermediate between these 2 subspecies are found in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Upperside is brownish red with distinct yellowish spots near the outer margins. Underside is brown with cream spots. Males perch or patrol near nectar plants to find receptive females. Eggs are scattered on or near the host plants.
Caterpillars feed on leaves and live in shelters of tied leaves.
First-stage caterpillars hibernate. One brood from August-October. The Pawnee Skipper occurs from western Montana and southeastern Saskatchewan east to Minnesota, south to Central Colorado and Kansas. Leonard's Skipper ranges from Nova Scotia and Maine west through southern Ontario and the Great Lakes region to Minnesota, south to North Carolina, Louisiana, and Missouri. The Pawnee Montane Skipper occurs only in the South Platte River drainage of Colorado.