One of the things I enjoy about autumn is the influx of southern species attempting to increase their range. My yard is suddenly overrun with Checkered Skippers, an attractive species that annually migrates into areas in which it has no chance of long term survival. These annual migrants are species that are ready to take advantage of any change that allows them to exploit new territory. Should we have a winter mild enough to allow Checkered Skippers to survive into spring, they will be here ready to start building a population as soon as it is warm enough in the spring.
These butterflies have no idle time. They are busy laying eggs in an attempt to establish a colony in this spot. Although doomed to failure, they have to try. This is the type of species most likely to survive catastrophe. If conditions change rapidly enough to make survival impossible in their current home range, one of these colonies could mean continuance of the species.
The female Checkered Skippers spent most of their time down in the plant hunting for the best place in which to lay an egg. It was really tough finding one that would sit still long enough for a good look.
When not laying eggs, they were busily looking for the next host plant. Checkered Skipper larvae feed on various mallows, with the Common Mallow,
Malva neglecta, being most frequently used. This is interesting because Common Mallow, in fact all species of Malva, are non-natives that arrived in this country from Europe or Asia. This particular plant is a common weed around many homes. The skipper probably wasn’t very common here until people changed the landscape and encouraged the spread of this opportunistic plant.
Eggs were most commonly placed on the undersides of leaves, with most leaves having at least one egg attached. The weather is supposed to stay warm for a while, so I’m hoping to observe some of the caterpillars.
Eggs were most commonly placed on the undersides of leaves, with most leaves having at least one egg attached. The weather is supposed to stay warm for a while, so I’m hoping to observe some of the caterpillars.
One of the things I enjoy about autumn is the influx of southern species attempting to increase their range. My yard is suddenly overrun with Checkered Skippers, an attractive species that annually migrates into areas in which it has no chance of long term survival. These annual migrants are species that are ready to take advantage of any change that allows them to exploit new territory. Should we have a winter mild enough to allow Checkered Skippers to survive into spring, they will be here ready to start building a population as soon as it is warm enough in the spring.
These butterflies have no idle time. They are busy laying eggs in an attempt to establish a colony in this spot. Although doomed to failure, they have to try. This is the type of species most likely to survive catastrophe. If conditions change rapidly enough to make survival impossible in their current home range, one of these colonies could mean continuance of the species.
The female Checkered Skippers spent most of their time down in the plant hunting for the best place in which to lay an egg. It was really tough finding one that would sit still long enough for a good look.
When not laying eggs, they were busily looking for the next host plant. Checkered Skipper larvae feed on various mallows, with the Common Mallow, Malva neglecta, being most frequently used. This is interesting because Common Mallow, in fact all species of Malva, are non-natives that arrived in this country from Europe or Asia. This particular plant is a common weed around many homes. The skipper probably wasn’t very common here until people changed the landscape and encouraged the spread of this opportunistic plant.
Eggs were most commonly placed on the undersides of leaves, with most leaves having at least one egg attached. The weather is supposed to stay warm for a while, so I’m hoping to observe some of the caterpillars.
Eggs were most commonly placed on the undersides of leaves, with most leaves having at least one egg attached. The weather is supposed to stay warm for a while, so I’m hoping to observe some of the caterpillars.
Fascinating about the Checkered Skipper. I have observed a beautiful but very small black and white checkered butterfly a couple of times during the summer months. I haven't been able to find it in my books, and it was always too busy to pose for a photograph. I wonder....
ReplyDeleteAre checkered skippers introduced, too, with the mallow? Great pic captures, btw!
ReplyDeleteAs always, wonderful pictures and another lesson. I am enjoying your science class. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Steve...Well they certainly aren't laying any eggs here..you know my luck with having butterflies around. : }
ReplyDeleteThat last photo is great...a tell all!!
I presume it must also feed on other native Malvaceae such as Callirhoe or Sida?
ReplyDelete"If conditions change rapidly enough to make survival impossible in their current home range, one of these colonies could mean continuance of the species." Sounds like a great strategy for dealing with the potential effects of global climate change.
ReplyDeleteI had one of those this weekend, too, and saw a few posted on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics!
Karen – These guys sometimes range quite far to the north. You may have seen one.
ReplyDeleteKatie – Checkered Skippers are native to North America. They have just taken advantage of this abundant non-native food source.
Thanks, Lois.
Grammie g – I think next year is going to be your year for butterflies. I bet you’ll have so many it will be hard to see the flowers.
Ted – Since they are native to North America they must be using some of the native Malvaceae. It’s interesting that the most commonly used genera, such as Malva, Althaea and Abutilon, are all non-native.
Rebecca – It will be interesting to see how long it takes before this species becomes an Ohio resident.
Thanks, Janet – These skippers have been especially plentiful around here this year.
Wonderful observations, Steve. I will have to check the malva "weeds" in the yard to see if there are any eggs before we leave on vacation Wednesday. Doubtful, tho, if they make it this far north even in their wildest dreams!
ReplyDeleteWilma- It's worth a check. These butterflies have been known to slip through Minnesota on their way to Southern Canada.
ReplyDelete