Silver-spotted Skipper

What it is

Epargyreus clarus, the silver-spotted skipper, is a butterfly of the family Hesperiidae. It is claimed to be the most recognized skipper in North America. E. clarus occurs in fields, gardens, and at forest edges and ranges from southern Canada throughout most of the United States to northern Mexico, but is absent in the Great Basin and western Texas.

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find Silver-spotted Skippers in nearly all of the US. They like open, sunny areas like gardens, fields, and forest edges.

How to find it

Watch for a fast-flying, brownish butterfly darting around flowers. It often holds its top wings differently from its bottom wings when it rests.

Best time of day

Late spring through fall, on warm, sunny days.

How it lives

What it eats

Flower nectar (adults), leaves of plants like black locust (caterpillars)

What eats it

Birds, spiders, other insects

Worth knowing

• Skippers are a group of butterflies that look a bit like moths.
• The 'silver spot' is on the underside of its hindwing.
• Their caterpillars make little leaf shelters by folding and tying leaves together.
• They have hooked antennae, unlike most other butterflies.
• They are very strong fliers for their size.
• Their favorite flowers include red clover and phlox.

Why it matters

Silver-spotted Skippers help pollinate many kinds of flowers. Their caterpillars are food for birds and other predators.