Arctic Skipper
(Carterocephalus palaemon)
Arctic Skipper sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeSoules Creek public hunting lands, Waushara Co., WI, June 12, 2003.
Click to enlargePlainfield TriCounty School Forest, Waushara Co., WI, May 31, 2003.
Click to enlargePlainfield TriCounty School Forest, Waushara Co., WI, June 8, 2003.
The Arctic Skipper is a late spring woodland skipper of northern Wisconsin. This species along with the Hobomok Skipper and the Indian Skipper are the first really colorful skippers of the year. These skippers all contrast greatly with the drab, brownish Duskywings and Elfins that may have been flying for nearly a month before this species appears. I have seen the Arctic Skipper nectaring on wild geranium as in the photo on the right and wild iris.
Identifying characteristics: A small, distinctive skipper. Above, this species is dark brown with many scattered orange spots. Below, this species superficially resembles a miniature fritillary with a brownish-orange base with fairly large white spots
Similar species: This little skipper does resemble a little fritillary, but it is unlikely that it would be mistaken for one, even in the field, because of its small size. There are no similar looking skippers in Wisconsin that should get confused with this species.
Habitat: Moist forest edges and trails.
Flight: Mid-May through late June. In 2006 this species was reported from May 26 to June 17.
Abundance: This species is usually found singly along trails and I have seen over 20 in one day along trails in Sandhill Wildlife Area
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Arctic Skipper
Carterocephalus palaemon