Long-tailed Skipper, Urbanus proteus (LEP189)

This spectacular skipper is common in the South. It is so prevalent that it flies in vast migrations. The wings are brown, the spots and head are golden. Tails are gold-rimmed. Long furry scales clothe the body, rendering it and the bases of the wings iridescent turquoise in sunlight. Here is is shown nectaring on pickleweed.