Silver Spotted Skipper
Epargyreus clarus
Image by Wally from Pixabay
Summary
This ubiquitous butterfly is a frequent visitor to gardens in our area. Since it rests with wings closed, the distinctive silvery spot on its hind wing is always on view, making ID easy. Host plants for larvae are members of the pea/bean family, including false indigo, locust, acacia, and wild senna. The rather territorial males perch on grasses, darting out at any passing butterfly–or possibly, human!
More Details
FAMILY
Hesperiidae (Skippers)
IDENTIFICATION
Average Wingspan: 1.75-2.25 inches Ventral side with prominent white patch on hindwing.
HABITAT
Meadows, fields, roadsides, gardens, woodland edges, and trails.
LIFE CYCLE
Multiple broods, with two large brood in summer. Final instar caterpillars pupate within their shelters or crawl down into the leaf litter where the last generation of the year overwinters.
HOST PLANTS
Generalist, using a wide variety of legumes, especially black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).
Ecosystem Connections
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation, and adults serve a role in pollination. All life stages provide food for predators. Because butterflies are so sensitive to toxins and disturbances in the environment, they are good indicators of the overall health of ecosystems.