Arogos Skipper
(Atrytone arogos)
Click to enlargeMcCarthy Lake WMA, Wabasha Co., MN, July 12, 2005.
Click to enlargeMcCarthy Lake WMA, Wabasha Co., MN, July 12, 2005.
Click to enlargeMcCarthy Lake WMA, Wabasha Co., MN, July 12, 2005. Looking towards Wisconsin to show how close this species does exist to Wisconsin.
According to the “Butterflies of Wisconsin” by James A. Ebner, this species was taken near Racine. The record is listed as questionable, but it is certainly within its spotty range. This species does exist in eastern Minnesota and I took this photo within two miles of the Wisconsin border. I believe that it is possible that it exists in western Wisconsin and hope to enjoy looking for it in the future.
Identifying characteristics: Below, this skipper is yellowish orange with whitened veins and white fringe. Above, the male has a large open orange area with no stigma and a dark margin. The female is similar with a dark mark in the middle of the orange area where the stigma of the male would be, and a wider black margin.
Similar species: The Delaware Skipper would be the most likely to be confused with this species. I saw both species nectaring on the same plant, and both individuals were somewhat worn. I thought it was very difficult to tell these two species apart just from below. The fringe on the Arogos Skipper was mostly gone, the whitening of the veins was not very obvious, and they were nearly the same size. Fortunately, when seen from above the Arogos Skipper with its lack of markings in the orange area of the forewing is easily distinguished from the Delaware Skipper.
Habitat: Tall grass prairies.
Flight: One brood from late June through July.
Abundance: Not verified from Wisconsin, but was reported from southeastern Wisconsin in the late 1800s. In 2005 this species was present within several miles of the Wisconsin. The bottom photo was taken with my 90mm macro lens and shows the stacks at Alma, WI.
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Arogos Skipper
Atrytone arogos