[2] The larvae feed on Poaceae species, Leptoloma cognatum, little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), and, in Minnesota, on the flowers of purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia).
After hatching, the larvae will crawl in the direction of their hostplant and they build leaf-tied nests at the base of their plant as they are feeding.
Adults can feed on a variety of plants including Burgamot (Monarda fistulosa) and Milk Thistle (Carduus nutans).
The Ottoe Skipper is unable to survive in altered habitats such as developed or agricultural land.
Females provide provisions for their eggs and oviposit them on suitable host plants that larvae will be able to feed on once they hatch.
[5] Common predators include crab spiders, ambush bugs, robber flies, birds, wasps, and ants.