Viereck's Skipper (Atrytonopsis vierecki [Skinner])
Wing span: 1 1/4 - 1 5/8 inches (3.2 - 4.2 cm).
Identification: Upperside is grayish brown with large clear spots on the forewing; male forewing has a distinct stigma. Underside is pale gray-brown with pale overscaling; forewing spots are dull; hindwing has white spots below the costa and 2 short dark bars.
Life history: To watch for receptive females, males perch in dry gulches or streambeds all day.
Flight: One brood from April-June.
Caterpillar hosts: Not reported.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Open woodland and gulches in plains and prairies.
Range: Southern Utah, southern Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas.
Conservation: Not usually required.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates. Stanford, R. E. and P. A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of western USA butterflies including adjacent parts of Canada and Mexico. Denver and Fort Collins, CO. Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann