The silver-spotted skipper is easily recognized by its dark color, gold spots on the forewings, and the distinctive silvery patch beneath the hindwing.
MDC Staff
Silver-Spotted Skipper
Epargyreus clarus
Family:
Hesperiidae (skippers)
Description:
The silver-spotted skipper is the largest skipper in Missouri, easily recognized by the dark color, gold spots on the forewings, and the distinctive white (“silver”) patch beneath the hindwing. Like other skippers, this species has a stout body and relatively small wings. The club of the antenna has a slender tip that curves backward.
Larvae are rather plain, bright yellowish green, but with a large, reddish-brown head with two orange eyespots.
Size:
Wingspan: 1½–2½ inches.
Silver-Spotted Skipper
Silver-Spotted Skipper on blackberry bloom
User submitted photo
Silver-Spotted Skipper
Silver spotted skipper on a purple coneflower
User submitted photo
Habitat and conservation:
A common species of brushy fields, roadsides, and city yards. Males frequently perch on plants and shrubs, darting out at any passing butterfly. Skippers are named for skipping pattern of their swift, bouncing, erratic flight.
Foods:
Larvae feed on members of the bean or pea family. In our state, they have been found on false indigo, wisteria, honey locust, black locust, rose acacia, and wild senna. Adults visit flowers and mud puddles.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide.
Status:
Common breeding resident.
Life cycle:
There are 3 broods a year, with adults flying from early April to mid-October.
Human connections:
In addition to their considerable aesthetic value, butterflies and skippers pollinate plants, many of which have commercial importance. Additionally, because they are sensitive to toxins and disturbance, they are good indicators of the overall status of ecosystems.
Ecosystem connections:
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation. The adults serve a role in pollination. All stages provide food for predators.
Similar Species
Horace's Duskywing
Erynnis horatius
Northern Cloudywing
Thorybes pylades
Common Checkered Skipper
Pyrgus communis
Skippers
About 275 species in North America north of Mexico
Butterflies and Skippers
More than 700 species in North America north of Mexico
Moths
More than 12,000 species in North America north of Mexico
Celery Looper
Anagrapha falcifera
Clover Looper
Caenurgina crassiuscula
Eight-Spotted Forester
Alypia octomaculata
Leaffolder Moths
Desmia spp.
About Butterflies and Moths in Missouri
Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive.