The rainy summer of 2003 was a good one for this rare species in North Carolina - this male was one of 5 on the Wilmington count. Byssus is a bright orange butterfly (though not so bright as a Delaware Skipper) that can be identified below by the pale chevron on both the forewing and the hindwing. The most similar butterfly in coloration is the Southern Broken-Dash, but the two are not likely to be confused with a good view.

Tinga Nursery, Castle Hayne, New Hanover Co., NC 8/23/03.

Male, Croatan National Forest, Carteret Co., NC 8/24/03.

Since photographs of Byssus Skipper are relatively rare, here's a series of different individuals. This one has an abnormally dark splotch and bright chevron on the hindwing.

Holly Shelter Game Land, Craven Co., NC 9/3/03.

Here's a Byssus with a lot of wear, nectaring on Eryngium integrifolium.

Croatan National Forest, Craven Co., NC 9/6/03.

Moderately worn.

New Hanover Co., NC 8/28/04.

Nice and fresh! As you can probably tell, Byssus Skippers tend to be relatively easy to photograph.

New Hanover Co., NC 8/28/04.