Rewilding My Lot

Converting a new developer lot into a nature ecosystem — my journey

When Wings Look Weird

When I first saw this butterfly on a Sunflower, I thought it was odd that it seemed to have an extra set of wings. A companion on the same plant looked the same, so I concluded that it’s supposed to be that way.

iNaturalist told me that this was a “grass” Skipper of some sort (subfamily Hesperiinae). Most butterflies rest with both pairs of their wings closed or with both pairs open. Some Skippers use that “spread wing” position, but others like this one in the photo use the “jet plane” position, where the hindwings and forewings are held at different angles. I did not know this.

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One response to “When Wings Look Weird”

  1. Skippers On The Gregg’s Mistflower – Rewilding My Lot Avatar
    Skippers On The Gregg’s Mistflower – Rewilding My Lot

    […] Here’s a better picture of the Checkered-Skipper. Notice that it holds both its pairs of wings in the same plane, like most butterflies. The Fiery Skippers, however, use the “jet plane” position, where the hindwings and forewings are held at different angles. That’s a thing that some skippers do, which is something I only learned recently. […]

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About Me

Nature Lover.
Inquisitive Observer.
Student Gardener.

I invite you to join me on my journey to convert my sterile (from a nature point of view) new house lot to a healthy and diverse ecosystem, as I make discoveries, mistakes, and hopefully progress. I am not an expert or professional. The project started in February 2023 and the location is Seguin, Texas, USA.

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