Our campsite at Tomoka River State Park had a lovely patch of white flowers on the eastern edge. After packing up on Monday we just sat in the area watching the butterflies and skippers come and go. My favorite Lepidoptera of the weekend was the Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus). They were all along the trails of Bulow Creek State Park and one individual without the its tails was hanging out at our site.
Long-tailed Skippers prefer habitat like brushy fields, forest edges, and disturbed open areas. The caterpillar stage hosts on legumes while the adult prefers nectar of various flowers. Due to the larva enjoying bean plants they are often considered pests in the southeast of the U.S. When they are hiding and especially when they pupate, they roll the leaves around them. Some people will call them bean leafrollers for this trait.
No matter what you call this skipper you must call it awe inspiring. Just soak in the iridescent colors, the long tails, and the large eyes. Next time you're out hiking take a second look around you and maybe if you're lucky you will find a Lep like this one.
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