A common large dark brown skipper with a distinctive silver-white patch on the underside of the hindwing. Caterpillars roll leaves into tube shelters.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Epargyreus clarus, the silver-spotted skipper, is a butterfly of the family Hesperiidae. It is claimed to be the most recognized skipper in North America. E. clarus occurs in fields, gardens, and at forest edges and ranges from southern Canada throughout most of the United States to northern Mexico, but is absent in the Great Basin and western Texas.
Source: Wikipedia — Epargyreus clarus Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Medium-large skipper with brown body and silvery-white "spot" on underside of hindwing; banded orange spots on upper forewings.
Similar species. Other large skipper species (different patterns; expert ID). Hayhurst's Scallopwing (different range).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Adults: nectar (especially milkweed, joe-pye weed, butterfly bush). Caterpillars: legumes (black locust, wisteria, false indigo, beans).
Behavior. Among the largest skipper butterflies in North America. Fast, darting flight pattern. Caterpillars are striking — bright green with prominent red-orange head; build leaf shelters by folding leaves over with silk. Heavy garden visitors; particularly enthusiastic about purple and red tubular flowers.
§ Range
Across North America
§ Habitat
Open habitats with legumes
§ Threats
Habitat loss, garden monocultures, lawn pesticides.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the silver-spotted skipper is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant native legumes (false indigo, wisteria, locusts). Skip pesticides.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Epargyreus clarus
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Epargyreus clarus
- iNaturalist · taxon 49250
- IUCN Red List — search for Epargyreus clarus
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Epargyreus clarus
§ Sources cited
- Butterflies and Moths of North America
- Xerces Society
- iNaturalist
