A Dorantes Longtail, one of many species attracted to Cosmos (4 Oct 2005) (L). The Zilpa  Longtail is a rare Mexican influx species in Arizona. Here one basks on a branch (23 Oct 2005) (Karen LeMay photo) (R).

A second Zilpa Longtail was seen in the yard on 4 October 2010.

After seven summers, an Erichson's White Skipper finally appeared and became the 110th butterfly for the property (3 October 2010).

This Brazilian Skipper, the second for the yard, was seen nectaring on the tall spikes of Salvia leucantha (7 October 2010). I am not aware of any Canna (its host plant) growing in the neighborhood. 

A Silver-spotted Skipper takes a drink at the pond (23 May 2007).

A very fresh Violet-clouded Skipper, a rather uncommon local species, nectars on Salvia nemorosa (3 Nov 2005).

A Common Streaky-Skipper nectars on Echinacea (27 July 2006).

Many-spotted Skipperlings are usually uncommon to rare on the east side of the Huachuca Mountains. We were astonished to see three at the pond (31 July 2009). 

The gap in this Arizona Powdered-Skipper's left hind wing suggests that it may have survived a bird attack. Here it nectars on Coneflower (Echinacea) (2 July 2007).

     A White-patched Skipper nectars on Dalea bicolor (17 Nov 2005). The second for the yard appeared 7 November 2015 (L); Sheep Skipper sunning on gravel (1 Oct 2005) (R).

A White-barred Skipper nectars on verbena (14 Mar 2006).

A White/Common Checkered-Skipper on wet gravel (4 May 2004) (L) and a male basking on Dalea bicolor (2 November 2006).

A female Sachem nectars on coneflower (Echinacea) (7 July 2007).

Arizona Skippers: roosting on shaded porch (18 July 2006) (L), and nectaring on Buddleia (24 July 2006).

Mournful Duskywing nectaring on Buddleia (2 July 2006).

Dull Firetip, a late summer flier, nectars on Buddleia (25 Aug 2006).

Orange Skipperling is locally common; its host plant is Bermudagrass. Here one nectars on Buddleia (25 July 2006) (L); a Northern Cloudywing basks on flagstone (27 Apr 2004) (R).

A Carus Skipper nectars on Buddleia (24 July 2006).

A Pahaska Skipper nectars on aster. Thanks to Brock and Bailowitz for looking at photos of this skipper.(7 September 2015).

During the monsoons, an Arizona Giant-Skipper basks on a rock (15 Sep 2004).

Nysa Roadside-Skipper basking on a rock (12 Jul 2004) (L); Bronze Roadside-Skipper basking on a rock (11 Jul 2004) (R).

A late season Toltec Roadside-Skipper on Buddleia (18 September 2006).  

This Elissa Roadside-Skipper (above and below) was found during the local butterfly count and was butterfly #115 for the yard (2 August 2014). 

A fresh Deva Skipper basking on a rock (15 May 2006).

Moon-marked Skipper is similar to Deva Skipper (see above) but flies during later summer. Here one sits on a wall during an afternoon drizzle (7 August 2007).

This

A dainty Golden-headed Scallopwing sunning on gravel (19 June 2006).

Common Sootywing is one of the most widespread U.S. butterflies. Here, one basks on primrose after an afternoon shower (7 August 2007).

An Acacia Skipper nectars on Buddleia (31 July 2006).

A Desert Cloudywing roosts on the side of a wood pile (28 June 2006).

Hammock Skipper, a Mexican influx species, nectars on Buddleia (20 August 2006).

Gold-spotted Aguna (Aguna asander) (above and below) nectaring on Buddleia. This is the second rarest butterfly on the yard list, now represented by only four Arizona records (fide Rich Bailowitz) (6 September 2006).

Eufala Skippers occur in small numbers until at least a week into November. This one nectared on Lantana (28 October 2007).

Jump to Butterflies and Plants I

Jump to Butterflies and Plants II

Jump to Some Yard Moths

© Robert A. Behrstock 2020
Images may not be reproduced without the Photographer's permission.