The Silver Spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) is a fascinating butterfly species that can be easily recognized by its unique features. Belonging to the family of Lepidoptera, these skippers have a wingspan of about 1¾ – 2½ inches, making them relatively large compared to other skippers. With their chocolate brown wings and noticeably rounded lobe or tail, these butterflies are truly eye-catching.
As you observe the Silver Spotted Skipper, you’ll notice the transparent yellowish-gold spots in a row on their wings. The underside of the hind wing contains a large, silvery-white patch, which is characteristic of this species. This distinct marking makes Epargyreus clarus easy to identify among other butterflies and skippers.
In their natural habitat, these magnificent creatures can be found in various places, including open woodlands, gardens, and along low, medium, and high elevation habitats. They are widespread and adaptable, laying their eggs on several types of plants to ensure the survival of their caterpillars. Keep an eye out for the Silver Spotted Skipper, and admire its remarkable beauty.
Physical Description
Color and Markings
The silver-spotted skipper is a fascinating butterfly with a unique appearance. This skipper has a combination of orange, red, and brown coloration on its wings. One of its most noticeable features is the presence of a large white spot on the underside of each hind wing, giving it its name – “silver-spotted skipper”. Additionally, you might observe black and white markings on the dark brown forewings, making it quite visually appealing.
Size
Silver-spotted skippers are one of the largest and most widespread skipper species. Although they are considered a large skipper, their size is still relatively small compared to other butterflies. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that their size can vary between individuals.
Wingspan
When it comes to their wingspan, silver-spotted skippers are quite remarkable. Their wings are not only colorful but also serve as a means of identification for this particular species. The wingspan of a silver-spotted skipper ranges from 1.75 to 2.5 inches, which is fairly substantial for a skipper. With such a wingspan, these beautiful creatures can easily catch your eye as they flutter through the air, exploring their surroundings.
In summary, the silver-spotted skipper is an attractive butterfly with a unique appearance. Its distinctive white spot on the hindwings, combined with the colorful wings and black and white markings, make it a noteworthy species among skippers. Keep an eye out for these remarkable creatures during your next outdoor adventure!
Habitats and Distribution
United States and Canada
The silver-spotted skipper can be found throughout the United States and southern Canada. Its distribution spans from Florida to North America, covering multiple regions and habitats. In the US, you can spot these skippers from the Southeast to the Northeast, and even in parts of the Midwest. For example, they are known to inhabit areas like Florida, where the climate can be warm and humid.
Northern Mexico
In addition to the US and Canada, the silver-spotted skipper also extends its range to Northern Mexico. Here, its distribution is limited due to the specific habitat requirements and the availability of suitable host plants. However, these skippers can still be found in certain regions where the conditions are favorable.
Forests and Fields
Silver-spotted skippers can thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, forest edges, fields, brushy areas, and swamps. These environments provide an ideal setting for their life cycle and feeding habits. To give you an idea about their preferred surroundings:
- Forests: They often inhabit areas with trees and tall vegetation, providing ample spots for resting and nesting.
- Fields: Open fields with blooming flowers are suitable for these skippers, as they serve as a source of nectar.
Here are some characteristics of their habitats:
- Availability of host plants for the caterpillars to feed on
- Presence of nectar-rich flowers for adult skippers to feed
- Suitable shelter for the skippers in the form of trees, bushes, or tall grasses
By understanding their preferred habitats and distribution, you can keep an eye out for the silver-spotted skipper in your area and appreciate their unique presence in the rich tapestry of North American biodiversity.
Life Cycle
Eggs and Larvae
The life cycle of the silver-spotted skipper begins with the female laying eggs. Each egg is typically laid on a plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. As the larvae hatch, they often feed on leaves for nourishment.
Among the plants they prefer are:
- Amorpha fruticosa
- Leguminous plants
Caterpillar
Once they become caterpillars, these soon-to-be skippers form a leaf shelter. They use silkworm-like threads to pull the leaves together. Inside the shelter, they molt and grow through different instars.
Some notable caterpillar features include:
- Brown heads
- Vegetation covered with frass
- Growing in leaf shelters
Transition to Butterfly
As caterpillars reach maturity, they enter the pupal stage. They develop inside a small, well-hidden shelter. Later, the adult silver-spotted skipper emerges as a beautiful butterfly.
To recap, the life cycle stages are:
- Eggs and larvae
- Caterpillars in leaf shelters
- Pupal stage within a cocoon
- Emergence as adult silver-spotted skippers
Diet and Predators
Diet
The silver-spotted skipper primarily feeds on nectar from various flowers. They prefer yellow, blue, and pink flowers such as honey locust1. Some examples of suitable nectar plants for their diet include:
- Yellow: Goldenrod, Sunflower
- Blue: Salvia, Asters
- Pink: Phlox, Milkweed
It is important that you provide these nectar sources in your garden or habitat if you want to attract and support silver-spotted skippers.
Predators
Silver-spotted skippers face a variety of predators in their natural environment. Some common predators include:
- Birds: Mockingbirds, Blue Jays
- Wasps: Paper Wasps, Yellow Jackets
These predators are attracted to the skipper due to its size and colorful appearance. To protect themselves, silver-spotted skippers rely on their agility and camouflage while resting on leaves or animal feces1.
Overall, the silver-spotted skipper has a diet mainly consisting of nectar from various flowering plants, and faces predators like birds and wasps. By understanding their diet and predators, you can better support and appreciate these fascinating butterflies in your local environment.
Behaviour
The silver-spotted skipper is a large and recognizable skipper, known for its swift flight. It’s found across various habitats such as woodland edges, fields, and gardens. You’ll often see it feeding on flowers, demonstrating an agile and quick flying ability.
This skipper employs a unique defensive chemical to protect itself from predators. This helps to contribute to its success as a species. As you observe the silver-spotted skipper, take note of its behavior and unique features, some of which are:
- Chocolate brown wings
- Large white spot on the underside of each hind wing
- Transparent yellowish-gold spots in a row on wings
- Short, noticeable rounded lobe or tail on hind wing
While watching a silver-spotted skipper, you’ll notice its curious and investigative nature. They examine their environments and often return to the same locations, making it easier for you to spot them.
Remember that, as a featured creature, the silver-spotted skipper holds an important role in our ecosystem. So next time you’re out in nature, keep an eye out for this fascinating skipper and admire its swift, skilled flight.
Role in Ecosystem
As a Pest
The silver-spotted skipper is a member of the Hesperiidae family, which includes skippers, moths, and butterflies. While these creatures are typically harmless, they can occasionally cause problems in gardens and agricultural settings. You might find them feeding on a variety of host plants, such as soybean, kidney bean, groundnut, and American hogpeanut.
However, it’s important to note that silver-spotted skippers are not usually considered major pests. They may cause some damage to your plants, but the extent of the damage is typically minimal. If you’re a gardener or farmer, you should be aware of their presence, but they’re unlikely to severely impact your crops.
As a Host
Silver-spotted skippers rely on specific host plants during their various life stages. Some of their preferred host plants include American wisteria, false indigo, false indigobush, kudzu, and black locust. These plants serve as vital resources for silver-spotted skipper caterpillars who feed on the leaves.
As a result, these host plants play a crucial role in the silver-spotted skippers’ ecosystem. By providing food and shelter, they help support the skipper population, which in turn can be beneficial for other organisms that rely on skippers as a food source.
In summary, the silver-spotted skipper plays a role in the ecosystem as both a pest and a host. They can cause minimal damage to some plants, but on the other hand, they’re an essential part of the food chain by supporting various host plants and the organisms that depend on them.
Footnotes
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Found on an amorpha on August 16, 2018