ML080280437

Butterflies: Leonards Skipper (Hesperia Leonardus)

ML080280437
Person / Time
Site:	Susquehanna
Issue date:	01/25/2008
From:	- No Known Affiliation
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
TAC MD3021, TAC MD3022
Download: ML080280437 (3)

Text

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The butterflies:

Skippers Grass-Skippers aLeonard's Skipper This has always been my favorite (H esperia leonardus) skipper as it makes its first appearance of the year as the main butterfly season i2 is waning. In addition, it uses blazing

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star as a nectar source, making it easier to locate. I often look for this species by using my binoculars and carefully scanning all the blazing stars looking for this species nectaring. After finding it, it doesn't guarantee that it will be easy to photograph as this species is very active and moves around a lot while nectaring.

Identifying characteristics: Below, this species is orange with, especially in fresh individuals, a reddish tinge that seems to highlight the lighter spots.

Above the males are orange with a wide black margin and a stigma through the middle of the front wing. The female is much darker with light colored spots.

Mecan Springs, Waushara Co., WI, August 18, 2004.

Similar species: This species is very similar to the CQmmon_'Branded Skipper. Above, the Common Branded Skipper and Leonard's Skipper are very much alike. Below the Leonard's Skipper has a reddish tinge that contrasts greatly with the light spots.

On the Common Branded Skipper this ground color has some light greenish coloring to it that makes it much lighter looking than the Leonard's Skipper.

bptember 3, 2005.

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w1SVIScIIsniuLUtIenieS.Vrg IIeuIldU~S 3KIppe1' Habitat: Prairie and barren areas, usually with abundant nectar sources.

Flight: This species is single-brooded and may be seen from early August to early September.

Abundance: This species is fairly common in some areas, but it is still unusual to see more than 20 individuals in a day.

Submit a Leonard's Skipper sightin>> >>

rage z 01 j Male, Muralt SNA, Green Co., WI, September 3, 2005.

! museum specimen 0 photo O sight ing i indicate historical record Leonard's Skipper Hesperia leonardus Female, Muralt SNA, Green Co., WI, September 3, 2005.

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Muralt SNA, Green Co., WI, September 3, 2005.

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