Crystal Skipper (Atrytonopsis new species I)

This taxon has formerly been lumped with Dusted Skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna), and with Loammi Skipper (A. loammi) and research is currently underway to determine its relationship to those species. Apparently quite restricted in range and rare overall, it can be locally common in the stabilized dunes along the central NC coast. Researchers studying this taxon, including Allison Leidner and Nick Haddad at NC State, are calling it "Crystal Skipper".

Crystal Skipper (Atrytonopsis new species I)
Ft. Macon, Carteret Co., NC
18 July 2008

If found to be a separate species from other known Dusted Skipper taxa, it will be endemic to the coast of North Carolina!


Male Carteret Co., NC 12 Apr 2006	Probably Male Carteret Co., NC 12 Apr 2006


Female Carteret Co., NC 12 Apr 2006	Carteret Co., NC 12 Apr 2006


Carteret Co., NC 12 Apr 2006	Carteret Co., NC 12 Apr 2006


Carteret Co., NC 12 Apr 2006

	Crystal Skipper flaunting the local hazards to photographers' knees & elbows! Carteret Co., NC 12 Apr 2006
	Little Bluestem (Andropogon littorale) Carteret Co., NC One of the caterpillar host plants for Crystal Skippers.

Inner dunes and dredge spoils where Little Bluestem grow are the primary habitats for the Crystal Skipper.
Ft. Macon, Carteret Co., NC
18 July 2008

More information can be found at: Professor Nick Haddad's research site.

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Created on ... April 12, 2006 | Updated ... Aug 7, 2008 | jspippen@duke.edu