[3] With over 2,000 described species, this is the largest skipper butterfly subfamily and occurs worldwide except in New Zealand.

[5] Most members of this subfamily have an oval antenna club with an apiculus on the tip, although Carterocephalus and Piruna do not.

Hesperiinae larvae feed on many different types of grasses and sedges and palms, though some species are limited.

[5] Hesperiinae are unique in that they hold their wings partially open while resting, with the forewings and hindwings held at different angles.

[10] Adults are strong fliers; they move quickly and usually in a linear direction.