Ocola Skipper Panoquina ocola

Late summer scatter of these in my state. They breed mostly south and east. Long-winged things with a purple sheen when fresh. Sometimes a row of white dots on the exterior hindwing as well. Veins often prominent as in this individual. A circlet of white spots present inside the forewing, visible when the wings are open, with one spot having a shark tooth or rosethorn shape (see below). Usually fast and skittish butterflies. There are multiple species in this genus on the Gulf Coast and in Texas. But northward this is the only one with this shape.

Interior shot. From Jefferson county. Showing the shark tooth.

Salt Marsh Skipper Panoquina panoquin

A coastal specialty as the name suggests. Like an Ocola with a large dash in the hindwing and muted tones. Sometimes staggeringly common in salt marsh habitat. Taken outside Merritt Island NWR, Florida. Neither this or the next are found in Arkansas.

Obscure Skipper Panoquina panoquinoides

The less common salt marsh lover in the Panoquina group. Smaller and less marked. This shot is also from Florida where one should go to look for it. Note the less elongate wing and the three spots.