Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

Silver-spotted Skippers are one of our most common and familiar butterflies, particularly abundant in the mountains. They are somewhat misnamed, since the spot is white, not silver.

Mating pair, Harnett Co., NC 8/18/05.

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

Madison Co., NC 4/9/2012.

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

Carroll Co., VA 6/29/2002.

Easy to identify, but watch out for the similar by uncommon Hoary Edge and the rare Golden-banded Skipper.

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

This individual could barely fly. The wings look fine, but you can see raw flesh exposed on the top side.

Photos taken at Weymouth Woods, Moore Co., NC 4/13/02.

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) Clay Co., NC 5/21/05.
Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

Clay Co., NC 5/21/05.

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) Female (right) being buzzed by a courting male.

Clay Co., NC 5/21/05.

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

Attracted to lights at night.

Carroll Co., VA 8/2/08.

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) caterpillar

The yellow-greenish striped caterpillars have a large head with two orange eye-spots.

Carroll Co., VA 9/5/05.

Caught by a crab spider.

Craven Co., NC 9/6/03.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.