Leonard's Skipper is uncommon to rare in North Carolina, found primarily in the lower Piedmont, where it flies from mid-September through October, with a few records from the Mountains, where it flies from late August to mid-September.

These charismatic butterflies are fairly large (for a little grass-skipper) and very strong fliers. They can be a challenge to photograph, normally taking off before you get within 10 feet! I managed one shot of this butterfly on Liatris (Blazing Star) before it zipped off.

New Hope Game Land off Old Hope Valley Farm Road, Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

Their favorite nectar plants are purple flowers such as the spectacular Aster grandiflorus (left) and Liatris (Blazing Star), but I've also seen them on Chrysopsis mariana (Maryland Golden-Aster).

Kelly Plantation Road, northern Moore Co. (Piedmont region), NC, 10/7/2001.

Chatham Co., NC 10/9/04.

This Leonard's is missing a chunk of its forewing.

Chatham Co., NC, 20 October 2001.

Be careful not to confuse the female Sachem (left) for Leonard's. They can fool you, especially when they're nectaring on Aster grandiflorus in October!

Chatham Co., NC 10/9/04.

Moore Co., NC, 7 October 2001.

Moore Co., NC, 7 October 2001.

Ready for takeoff!
Chatham Co., NC 10/9/04.