Silver-spotted Skipper
(Epargyreus clarus)
Silver-spotted Skipper sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeRocky Run Oak Savanna SNA, Columbia Co., WI, June 18, 2005.
Click to enlargeRocky Run Oak Savanna SNA, Columbia Co., WI, June 18, 2005.
Click to enlargeRocky Run Oak Savanna SNA, Columbia Co., WI, June 30, 2005.
Click to enlargeMuir Lake SNA, Marquette Co., WI, August 5, 2002.
The Silver-spotted Skipper is one of the more common skippers in the southern two-thirds of the state. In Wisconsin wherever its main host plant, Black Locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia) is found, this species is likely to be present. This tree is an invasive alien and once it is established, it forms large colonies. This is one of only two skippers that I have had visit my butterfly bush in my garden. Because of its distinctive silvery spot and large size, this species of easy to spot as it flits about, nectaring in a field.
Identifying characteristics: The Silver-spotted Skipper is Wisconsin’s largest skipper. It is essentially a brown butterfly with a few white spots on the forewing above and a yellowish band that cuts through the middle of the wing. Below, the species has a large silvery/white mark through the center of the hindwing that contrasts greatly with the brown color of the wing and which makes this species easy to identify, even from a distance.
Similar species: Somewhat similar to the Hoary Edge, but the Hoary Edge is a rare stray to Wisconsin, is smaller, and doesn’t have a large silvery/white spot in the center of its hindwing below.
Habitat: A wide variety of habitats including old fields, woodland edges, and gardens. It is fond of nectar and can be seen nectaring on a variety of flowers.
Flight: The first brood of this species is present in June and early July, with a second brood in late July and August, at least in the southern counties.
Abundance: Common, but not usually seen in large numbers, and often seen singly. I saw 28 of this species in one day and never more than 2–3 at a time.
Recent Silver-spotted Skipper Sightings
| Date seen | County | Reported by |
|---|---|---|
| Yesterday | Iowa | Ann Thering and Dave Eide |
| 07–12–2008 | Ozaukee | Judith Huf |
| 07–12–2008 | Ozaukee | Judith Huf |
| 07–12–2008 | Iowa | SWBA Field Trip, 18 participants |
| 07–09–2008 | Crawford | Mike Reese |
| 07–09–2008 | Dane | Ann Thering |
| 07–08–2008 | Rock | Tom Poklen |
| 07–08–2008 | Dane | Tom Poklen |
| 07–06–2008 | Columbia | Mike Reese |
| 07–06–2008 | Dane | Joan Braune, Tod Highsmith and Mary Dykstra |
| 07–04–2008 | Oconto | Rose Tiegs |
| 07–04–2008 | Dane | Joan Braune and Tod Highsmith |
| 07–04–2008 | Sauk | Wayne Anderson |
| 07–03–2008 | Washington | Mike Kirch |
| 07–01–2008 | Dane | Ann Thering |
| 07–01–2008 | Milwaukee | Judith Huf |
| 06–30–2008 | Dane | Ann Thering |
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Silver-spotted Skipper
Epargyreus clarus