Observation date: May 25, 2025
Date notes: Consistent for Dusted Skipper.
Submitted by: hockeybruce7
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Only two photos obtained before the specimen flew-off. My initial ID through my binoculars was possibly a Clouded Skipper, not knowing if that was even possible this time of year. I immediately noticed the lower outer wing's brown/black mottling with frosted marginal edging. After consulting with Glassberg and Kaufman ID guides, I feel confident in calling this a Dusted Skipper. This should arguably be the only 'dark' skipper flying in May.
Skipper was originally observed at ground level on short moist green grass by a spring seep at a dip in a power line ROW -- interspersed with honeysuckle, blackberry blossoms, etc., -- then flew about eight feet to ground level again before disappearing entirely. Immediately adjacent to the west was a drier steep bluestem hillside going up the R.O.W.
Status: Resident
Verified by: davidwright
Verified date: May 26, 2025
Coordinator notes: Female. The first brood of this species is now peaking in late May throughout the state. The dark females are tricky to identify. The bright males are much easier to ID.
