Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor) is in the Skippers family (Hesperiidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 20,498 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in August.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Least Skipper: observations by month (U.S.)
About Least Skipper
Ancyloxypha numitor, the least skipper, is a North American butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. They have a weak, Satyrinae-like flight.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Least Skipper by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 2,424 | August | Jun–Sep |
| Maryland | 1,847 | July | May–Sep |
| Virginia | 1,471 | August | May–Sep |
| Pennsylvania | 1,360 | August | Jun–Aug |
| New York | 1,207 | August | Jun–Aug |
| Illinois | 1,105 | August | Jun–Aug |
| Minnesota | 951 | August | Aug–Aug |
| Wisconsin | 923 | August | Jun–Aug |
| Michigan | 760 | August | Jun–Aug |
| North Carolina | 757 | August | May–Sep |
| Massachusetts | 685 | August | Jun–Aug |
| New Jersey | 627 | August | Jun–Sep |
| Texas | 608 | July | Apr–Oct |
| Vermont | 550 | August | Aug–Aug |
| Florida | 500 | June | Jan–Nov |
| Georgia | 478 | August | May–Sep |
| New Hampshire | 377 | August | Jun–Aug |
| Tennessee | 307 | August | May–Sep |
| Louisiana | 304 | July | Jun–Aug |
| Indiana | 289 | August | Jun–Sep |
| Delaware | 256 | July | May–Sep |
| Connecticut | 254 | August | Aug–Aug |
| South Carolina | 238 | August | Apr–Sep |
| Missouri | 236 | July | May–Sep |
| District of Columbia | 235 | July | May–Sep |
| Arkansas | 231 | August | Jun–Sep |
| Iowa | 231 | June | Jun–Aug |
| Maine | 202 | August | Jun–Aug |
| Kentucky | 195 | July | Jul–Sep |
| Alabama | 188 | September | May–Oct |
| West Virginia | 160 | August | May–Sep |
| Nebraska | 103 | August | May–Aug |
| Oklahoma | 100 | September | May–Oct |
| Rhode Island | 93 | August | Jun–Aug |
| Kansas | 67 | May | May–Sep |
| South Dakota | 60 | August | Aug–Aug |
| Colorado | 50 | August | Aug–Aug |
| Mississippi | 50 | August | Jun–Oct |
| North Dakota | 18 | August | Jul–Aug |
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 Least Skipper?
Nationally, August has the most observations, with the main season from June to September.
Where is Least Skipper most often seen?
The most observations come from Ohio, Maryland, Virginia.