Sachem Skipper
Here is a real close look at a Sachem skipper butterfly (Atalopedes campestris) last month when they were absolutely everywhere that I looked. She was very cooperative! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSachems
Speaking of Sachem skipper butterflies, I had so many this year! They seemed to be popping up all over the place in August and September. Here we have the female along with a couple of photos of a male. They are a nonresident and enter our Northeast region from the south. Gardens are a great place to find them enjoying a variety of flowers. Were you able to spot any at your home or favorite patch? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreLeast Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor)
Say, what do we have here? A moth? Nay! The Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor) lives up to its name as the smallest skipper in our region and can easily go unseen among its relatives. Take a close and low look in grasslands or gardens to find one, especially in wet areas.
Read MoreSachem (Atalopedes campestris)
This looks like a worn female Sachem (Atalopedes campestris) skipper butterfly, a species that is really popping up a lot now. Keep an eye on anything that is blooming late and you might spot one.
Read MoreEuropean Skipper
This was one of an abundance of European Skippers (Thymelicus lineola) that Twan recently noted while conducting some field work, hopefully the first of many actual native skipper species that will be emerging in our lands soon. The European Skipper has only been on our continent for about a century after its accidental introduction. They are still expanding their range. I wonder if the fact they come out so early in comparison to some other skippers helps them survive, as is the case with many non-native and/or invasive plants that have success here. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation &...
Read More