Quite the contrast, this Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon) on Ironweed. Gold on magenta.

Skippers are called butterflies, but they are not true butterflies. One difference, antennae of a skipper is thread like, ending in clubbed tips which taper to hooks. The photo above is of a Duskywing Skipper with its hooked antennae. The antennae of true butterflies are also thread-like with clubbed tips but no tapering to hooks. Moths’ antennae are either feathery or saw edged.

Caterpillars of Zabulon Skippers eat a wide variety of grasses. Adults sip the nectar of many natives and invasives, including honeysuckles, clover, Joe-Pye weed, ironweed, and thistles.

Speedy little things, with a wingspan of one to one and a half inches, that skip here and there quickly to elude predators.