Silver-spotted Skipper

In my last post I asked if you can guess the identity of this forlorn looking creature.

Caterpillar of the Silver-spotted Skipper - Epargyreus clarus

 Of course it would help to see the whole critter.  This lime-green caterpillar with its big head, yellow eyes (fake ones), and little red neck...

 is the larva of the Silver-spotted Skipper.
 I found the caterpillar in this leaf shelter.  

 The shelter was made from a single jewelweed leaf that was tied with silk.  I don't know if the caterpillar was feeding on the jewelweed or just camping there for the night.  There were some Black Locust trees close by. 
Soon after I found the leaf shelter I pulled it part way open to reveal the caterpillar.

Silver-spotted Skipper caterpillar - Epargyreus clarus

That wilted leaf shelter (jewelweed loses its turgor rather quickly)  looks like a mummy sleeping bag.
Here is a photo of a Silver-spotted Skipper.

   The males have an interesting habit of perching in a prominent spot or
on tall vegetation, and chasing "almost anything that flies by".

 The skipper in the picture above was holding sway over the milkweed patch.


Silver-spotted Skipper - Epargyreus clarus

  So, my forlorn-looking, big-headed, redneck turns into the milkweed patch bully.