Megathymus yuccae
Size:
Wingspan is 1
3/4 - 2 1/4 inches, females are very large.
Similar Species:
Cofaqui Giant-Skipper
Habitat:
Open sandy woods with yuccas in the coastal plain and piedmont. In the
mountains, rocky outcrops with yuccas nearby.
Range/Abundance:
Uncommon to rare
in the southern coastal plain and rare in the Piedmont and mountains.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from early March until early May in a single brood.
.Larval Host Plants:
Bear Grass Yucca filamentosa, Small's Yucca Y. smalliana,
Spanish Dagger Y. gloriosa, and Spanish Bayonet Y. aloifolia.
Look for silk nests (see bottom photo) at the base of the yucca and if you’re around at the right time of year, you might find an adult skipper.
The top, second and bottom photos were taken in the Sandhills Gamelands
in Richmond Co., NC on April 20, 2003. The third photo was taken in the
Holly Shelter Gamelands in Pender Co., NC on April 17, 2004.
