Skippers are the sparrows of the butterfly world; lots of species, most of which are small, brown, and difficult to identify by amateur enthusiasts. They often are misidentified as moths, but a closer look reveals the straight antennae (not fuzzy like on moths) that identify them as butterflies.
A skipper butterfly on gray headed coneflower. Restored prairie in Sarpy County, Nebraska.
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This particular skipper was sunning itself in a small prairie planting in Sarpy County (eastern Nebraska) last weekend. I have no idea what species it is – maybe some of you will know, but without seeing more of the wings, I can’t tell what it is. It flew off after I took this photo and I didn’t get a good look at it.
(To be honest, I still probably wouldn’t have been able to identify it!)
Hi Chris — A lot of moths do in fact have non-fuzzy antennae. The notable antennal characteristic of skippers is the tapering terminal club (spindle-shaped thickening) near the tip of the antenna. At least the folded wing skippers also have a very unique wing posture at rest or when feeding at a flower.
Chris — I would say this is Tawny-edged Skipper (Polites themistocles).
Thanks Aaron – No one is disagreeing, so I’ll take that as consent! It’s certainly a species that is common in the area. I appreciate the ID.
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