Field Skipper (Atalopedes campestris) is in the Skippers family (Hesperiidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,108 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in September.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Field Skipper: observations by month (U.S.)
About Field Skipper
Atalopedes campestris (called the sachem in the United States) is a small skipper butterfly. It is just over 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and has orange-and-brown adults. Females are slightly larger and have paler markings on their wings compared to males.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Field Skipper by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,036 | September | Jul–Oct |
| Washington | 531 | September | Jul–Oct |
| Oregon | 445 | September | Jul–Oct |
| Nevada | 79 | July | Jul–Oct |
| Idaho | 13 | August | Aug–Sep |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Skippers)
Fiery Skipper
Silver-spotted Skipper
Huron Skipper
Zabulon Skipper
Peck's Skipper
Horace's Duskywing
Clouded Skipper
Long-tailed Skipper
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Field Skipper?
Nationally, September has the most observations, with the main season from July to October.
Where is Field Skipper most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Washington, Oregon.