Gem of the Crystal Coast: The Crystal Skipper

The Crystal Skipper Butterfly Project is a research and conservation initiative focused on the species found only on a 30 mile stretch of North Carolina's barrier islands from Fort Macon State Park to Hammocks Beach State Park.

The Crystal Skipper is named for both the region in which it is found, the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, and for the white, crystal-like markings on its wings.

First collected in 1978, the Crystal Skipper was not formally described as a new species until 2015. This small brown butterfly can be found from April to May, and again from July to August on host and nectar dune plants required by the Skipper.

Bri Hoffman, Project Manager, shares information on the Skipper's discovery, recognition as a species, and the status as a rare and endemic butterfly. She

discusses threats to the Crystal Skipper and other coastal organisms and pollinators and the project's current research efforts. Bri also suggests some ways we can help to bolster the Skipper and other wildlife.

A question and answer session follows this presentation.

Crystal Skippper on a Morning Glory flower

“There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.”

R. Buckminster Fuller