Epargyreus clarus
Size:
Wingspan is 1 3/4 - 2 5/8 inches.
Similar Species:
Hoary Edge
Habitat:
Widespread and found in about any type habitat except coastal marshes.
Range/Abundance:
Common to abundant in most locations
especially the mountains. Rare along the coast.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from early March until late October in two to three broods
with no gaps. Worn individuals from an earlier brood can be seen with
fresh individuals from the latest brood.
Larval Host Plants:
Black Locust Robinia pseudacacia, Honey Locust Gleditsia
triacanthos, False Indigo Amorpha species and many other
Legumes
Comments:
This is a large and very widespread skipper and the large white spot makes
it easy to identify.
I have seen Silver-spotted Skippers by the hundreds many times on the
Blue Ridge Parkway in both NC and VA.
The top photo was taken in Clay Co., NC on May 04, 2003. The center photo
was taken at the Peaks of Otter in Bedford Co., VA on July 13, 2002. The
bottom photo was taken in Columbus Co., NC on October 27, 2002.
