One of our participants captured this lovely shot of a Peck’s skipper (Polites peckius) during last weekend’s Bioblitz. This perky pollinator can be found in fields, lawns and other open areas from spring through autumn, and its rapid, ‘skipping’ flight pattern can make it challenging to photograph! Like other members of its family, it rests in the classic V or ‘jet fighter’ position. Many species have a similar appearance, but to identify a Peck’s skipper, look for a patch of yellowish spots in the center of the underside of the hindwing (both sexes), surrounded by darker brown.
The larvae feed on a variety of grasses, forming leaf shelters very close to the ground, where they are fortuitously mostly sheltered from lawnmowers. The SBG’s native meadow is a haven for them! Overwintering either as a caterpillar or chrysalis, adults emerge in spring to nectar on many plants such as clover, milkweeds, and members of the sunflower family.
Photo: Joe Gyekis
