Silver-spotted Skipper nectaring on White Clover – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/2000, ISO 800, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
The last time I was at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge I spent some time focusing on Silver-spotted Skipper butterflies that were feeding on blooming clovers.
I found these skippers near Reeve’s Slough where the White Clover was abundant and in full bloom. White Clover is native to Europe and has been introduced worldwide because it is an excellent forage crop.
Silver-spotted Skipper butterfly feeding at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/2000, ISO 800, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
The Silver-spotted Skippers were feeding on the nectar that the clover blossoms provide. The skippers are much smaller than the Pipevine, Spicebush, and Eastern Swallowtail butterflies that were also nectaring on flowers in the same area.
Silver-spotted Skipper butterflies inhabit disturbed open woods, forest edges, stream edges, and areas where nectar plants are abundant.
They are named for the silvery white spot that can be seen on the underside of their hindwings. The first two photos here show that spot.
Silver-spotted Skipper up close at Reeve’s Slough – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/2000, ISO 800, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
From the upperside, Silver-spotted Skippers have brownish-orange bands on the forewings. This skipper came in close to where I sat inside my vehicle at Reeve’s Slough.
Fortunately for me, the morning was cool, and the butterflies moved a touch slower than they do when the temp is warmer. I was able to take my time photographing these beautiful “things with wings,” and for that I’m grateful.
I hope that I will be able to photograph these Silver-spotted Skipper butterflies often this year and learn more about them while I do.
Life is good.
Mia
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