Silver-Spotted Skipper, 09.20.2018

Yesterday, as I was out on my walk, I spotted this little darling having a rest outside the Cornhusker Hotel. He kindly allowed me to take his picture. The gusty afternoon must have tired him out. He is a Silver-Spotted Skipper (epargyreus clarus), a tiny butterfly that can be found most places across the continental United States. This time of year the bigger and more majestic Monarch butterflies draw our attention, but I love watching the lesser known, littler ones. Last year’s Painted-Lady invasion was a wonder to behold.

The small details inspire me to ask questions. What is this creature’s proper name? Is this a butterfly or a moth? Answer: a butterfly. What’s the difference between butterflies and moths anyway? Answer: moths are nocturnal, butterflies diurnal; moths fold their wings against their bodies, butterflies fold them back; moths are generally plump and fuzzy, butterflies are longer in the body; moth caterpillars form cocoons, butterfly caterpillars weave chrysalids.

Asking questions of the tiny things expands the world and our respect for it. Instead of saying, “Oh, that’s a bug” or “Ew, a dead bird!” we can better appreciate a creature for what it is, a tiny life form making its own unique way in the world. In the grand, cosmic, overwhelming scheme of things, we humans are just as small, just as humble, just as fleeting as these. After all, God is in the details.