One of our rarest butterflies -- the eastern subspecies is endangered and known from only a few high-quality longleaf pine savannahs in NC. Tiny (about the size of a Tawny-edged Skipper) but one of the favorites of most people who've seen one; the sight of one always bring a smile to your face. The undersides are a dull orange with pale veining. Could possibly be confused with a worn Delaware Skipper, which is larger and lacks the pale veining.
Carteret Co., NC 8/24/03.
They are often seen sitting on top of flowers of Balduina uniflora (Yellow Balduina), which is about the only nectar source in their habitat. Male, Carteret Co., NC 8/24/03.
