Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: nectar and pollen feeding
Immatures: phytophagous

North American
Species: 300

Lepidoptera Hesperiidae
Skippers

Special Characteristics: Usually small sized, stout bodied with small short wings. Most skippers are dull colored brown or grey, and they have the tip of the antennae recurved or hooked. The larvae are plain, often with a large head, and the last segment of the body is often divided into two tails.

Comments: Adults feed on nectar or are scavengers on decaying matter and wet mud. Larvae feed on a variety of plants. Unlike most butterflies, skippers pupate in a cocoon made of leaves attached together with silk. The adults have a rapid and powerful flight.

Species:
Epargyreus clarus (Cramer)

Common Name:
Silver-spotted skipper

Feeding Habits: The larvae eat plants in the pea family.

Distribution:
Southern Quebec to southern British Columbia.

Comments:
The larvae are pale green or yellowish with a dark brown head and two bright orange spots resembling large eyes.This species is the largest Canadian skipper with a wingspan of 37 to 45 mm. The silver-spotted skipper is most often seen in open sunny areas.