Observation date: September 01, 2018
Submitted by: A_baldini
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Time: 11:34 a.m. Temperature: ~80 degrees. Wind: ~7 mph. Sky: Partly cloudy. Habitat: Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, a vast expanse of shortgrass prairie filled with hills, buttes, rock formations, arroyos, and small canyons. Notes: These grass skippers were easily the most abundant butterflies at Soapstone Prairie. They were practically swarming all over the Rubber Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) plants at the south parking lot, allowing for a cool three-in-one photograph! Based on the habitat, time of year, appearance (spots on ventral hindwing), and abundance, I'm almost certain these are Pawnee Skippers. There were significant size, color, and marking differences from one individual to the next, but I know the Leonard's Skipper can be quite variable. Surprisingly, there was no blazing star/gayfeather anywhere in the area, but these guys seemed content with just rabbitbrush (and the occasional Hairy Goldenaster, Broomlike Ragwort, and Broom Snakeweed).
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: November 10, 2018
Coordinator notes: Correct on the identification and a really nice group of pictures showing both surfaces of males and females. Mike
