skippers galore

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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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spangled

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Spangle: to sprinkle or stud with small, bright pieces, objects, spots, etc.

It's July. It's spangled!

The great spangled fritillary (love that name) is a common butterfly throughout its range. It’s also one of the largest of the greater fritillaries—as opposed to being one of the smallest of the lesser fritillaries. The lesser fritillaries are found much farther north: the colder climes of the Canadian provinces. (I wonder what it would feel like to be designated the least of the lessers?)

The greater fritillaries are creatures of the summer sun. Although most common in July, we have been seeing these orange butterflies with black and sparkling white spots at Ijams Nature Center since May. They are often seen at nectar sources such as common milkweed, thistles or Joe Pye weed in open fields or woodland edges. They are also known as "silvered" butterflies because the white spots on the back of their wings look metallic; they glisten in the sunlight.

- Photo taken at Ijams Nature Center on the Universal Trail

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