Epargyreus clarus

Silver Spotted Skipper

Basic Information

General information

Family: Hesperidae
Sub Family: Pyrginae
Estimated Lifespan 14 Days

Garden Specific Information

This butterfly has never been flown at Reiman Gardens.

Species Range:

  • NorthAmerica

Host plants:

  • The larvae are known to feed on black locust
  • honey locust
  • false indigo and Wisteria.

Food Source

The adults will feed from a variety of flowers such as common milkweed, red clover thistles, and zinnias. The adults are also known to puddle; especially the males.

Etymology Of Name

The origin of the genus Epargyreus is currently unknown while the specie clarus is Latin for clear.

Habitat

The Silver-Spotted Skipper can be found in open woods, along roadsides, and in urban neighborhoods. `

Life history

Males perch on vegetation waiting for females to pass through their territory to find a mate. After mating the female lays her eggs singly on the host plant. The early instar caterpillars fold over a piece of the host plant to make shelter. Overwintering is done as a chrysalis.

Flights

In the northern part of their range there is only a single brood while in the southern regions they can have up to four broods per year.

Fun Facts

The family Hesperiidae, otherwise known as the Skippers, are sometimes considered to be a distinct group when compared to true butterflies. One difference between the true butterflies and the skippers can be seen in their antennae. In true butterflies the antenna is straight with a club at the end, while in skippers the tip of their antenna is curved.