Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 527290

Yucca Giant-Skipper
Megathymus yuccae

Observation date: April 14, 2011
Submitted by: AJ Trently
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: The dry, sandy uplands I photographed this butterfly in is considered to be in the NatureServe ecological system, East Gulf Coastal Plain Interior Shortleaf Pine – Oak Forest System and best approximates the NatureServe association: Pinus echinata – Quercus falcata East Gulf Coastal Plain Forest. There were 100+ Yucca filamentosa plants growing along the edges of a road running through the forest. Yucca was also found growing in the forest. I saw definitely three M. yuccae, but I may have seen four. The photographs are both of one individual. The butterflies were seen flying back and forth by themselves or one individual "chasing" another individual. The butterflies landed on Yucca and other species in the area. Temperature was about 80 degrees F.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stephen stedman
Verified date: April 16, 2011
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): Fayette County, Tennessee, United States