Post by trehopr1 on Jan 25, 2022 10:36:33 GMT -8
Now here's something that you don't see everyday
in personal collections. This is America's Yucca
giant-skipper (Megathymus yuccae). My lone female
was acquired via the parting out of another collection.
This species is said to be a rare early season species
which is widespread across our southern states. It
may be observed in deserts, foothills, and woodlands
where its larval foodplant (yucca of various species) grows.
Apparently, 5 subspecies of this marvelous skipper have
been named.
As we "small game" hunters know skippers in general
have a strong, erratic, and highly energized flight reflex.
So, one can only imagine a species of this size (50-80mm)
must surely be a "whirl" of motion at best when seen briefly
sitting.
My sorted research has brought up a curious mention of sorts.
It is said that the adults do not feed but, that males do imbibe
nutrient salts at mud puddle situations.
Hard for me to believe these don't pollinate to replenish their
fat reserves. I've certainly observed our rather large and common
Silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus) regularly visiting a
variety of flowers with wreck-less abandon !
I suppose one of our Hesperiid enthusiasts or specialists could
clarify whether this notation in literature has validity.
A grand species of the skipper world to be sure.
in personal collections. This is America's Yucca
giant-skipper (Megathymus yuccae). My lone female
was acquired via the parting out of another collection.
This species is said to be a rare early season species
which is widespread across our southern states. It
may be observed in deserts, foothills, and woodlands
where its larval foodplant (yucca of various species) grows.
Apparently, 5 subspecies of this marvelous skipper have
been named.
As we "small game" hunters know skippers in general
have a strong, erratic, and highly energized flight reflex.
So, one can only imagine a species of this size (50-80mm)
must surely be a "whirl" of motion at best when seen briefly
sitting.
My sorted research has brought up a curious mention of sorts.
It is said that the adults do not feed but, that males do imbibe
nutrient salts at mud puddle situations.
Hard for me to believe these don't pollinate to replenish their
fat reserves. I've certainly observed our rather large and common
Silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus) regularly visiting a
variety of flowers with wreck-less abandon !
I suppose one of our Hesperiid enthusiasts or specialists could
clarify whether this notation in literature has validity.
A grand species of the skipper world to be sure.
