The silver-spotted skipper, Epargyreus clarus (Cramer), characterized by a large white spot on the underside of each hind wing, is one of our largest, most widespread and most recognizable skippers. The silver-spotted skipper is found throughout most of the United States and into southern Canada, but has not been seen for a long time on Cortes Island. It had been presumed extinct in our corner of Canada for over 100 years – last previous sighting was on Savory Island in 1913. So you can imagine excitements of local butterfly enthusiasts when it was spotted on Cortes Island in 2018. Read the whole story in our blog Still Alive and Skipping by Christian Gronau.
Recent sighting:
Tanglebank, Cortes Island, June 2020, Christian Gronau.
Nancy and Ray Kendel, June 15, 2021, Hank’s Beach nectaring on salal flowers.
Read more:
Butterflies and Moths of North America
