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| Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) |
Skippers are small, quick butterflies. And when it comes to skippers—Great Caesar's Ghost—there are a lot of them, more than 3500 recognized species worldwide, divided into five subfamilies. And because they are smallish and quick, they skip through our lives and you would hardly notice. So go take the time to notice.
I think this one is a silver-spotted skipper, one of the most robust and widespread–they are found throughout the U.S. and into Canada and Mexico. But it's not that important that you remember its official name, it's better to simply appreciate that they exist. They are not as glamorous as the swallowtails and fritillaries, but they are rather remarkable in their vitality. Here and there. Here and there, skipping about. Fast paced pollinators. What a life.
In the Tennessee Valley, silver-spotted skippers produce three broods a year. Since this is July, I suspect that this one is a second generation skipper but it didn't hang around long enough for me to ask. In fact, if I had paused one second, I wouldn't have gotten this photo.
- Photo taken at Ijams Nature Center.
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2 comments:
Hiya Lyn,
You did well to capture that skipper on camera. Interesting markings. Skippers here on the IoW are also quick to be on their way - I can never get close.
Hello Rob. Good to hear from you. How's the Isle?
Yes, I just lucked out. Normally, I can't compose and focus that quickly but it lingered a bit.
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