Tawny-edged Skipper
(Polites themistocles)

This species has not been reported from Knox County, but is known from counties surrounding Knox County. It was photograhed on August 2, 2000 in a waste area near the Gambier water treatment facility. This area is dominated by low grasses a variety of clover, and other weedy species. It was first seen near the edge of a puddle where it was probably collecting moisture and nutrients from the soil. It was vary wary but after being disturbed it returned to the moist area several times.

The individual picuted above is a male. In the photo on the right, note the contrast between the upper edge of the forewing and the hindwing. Note the dark line of black scales adjacent to the orange area on the leading edge of the forewing and the yellow (sometimes orange) rectangle adjacent to it. These features help distinguish it from similar species.