Alabama Butterfly Atlas

In late summer and fall, Ocola Skippers travel through Alabama in large numbers as their populations push north.  During that time, these highly adaptable skippers can be found at almost any site suitable nectar sources, sometimes in large numbers.  Some evidence indicates that in late fall, the migration reverses itself, and Ocolas head back toward the Deep South.  

Ocolas have noticeably elongated forewings, which makes identification reasonably easy. They are most often seen nectaring from flowers. These include native wildflowers like ironweed, mistflower, and blazing star as well as cultivated garden favorites.  Males perch on low vegetation to search for mates.  Females deposit single whitish eggs on native and introduced grass species.  Within a day, the eggs turn a rosy, pink color with a pale bulls-eye in the center. Caterpillars do not construct shelters, although they may draw grass blades slightly together with a strand of silk. Larvae and pupae rely on camouflage for protection.  Although a few adults have been seen in January, these butterflies do not typically overwinter in Alabama.

Ocola Skippers northward emigration allows them to colonize much of the eastern United States by the end of fall.  In spring and early summer, they are scarce in Alabama, but by October they have been documented in almost every county.