Butterflies in Mind -- Zinnia
Susan C. Dunlap
A collection of 50 images as if seen from a butterfly’s point of view. Includes the names of native Zinnia species and the most complete list of US butterflies that will feed on Zinnia blossoms.
Butterflies in Mind -- Asclepias
Susan C. Dunlap
“Milkweed is the single most important plant for Monarch butterflies. This lavishly illustrated book contains details about the structure and cultivation of native Milkweeds, information about the 139 nectar-feeding butterflies they...
Butterflies in Mind -- Monarch
Susan C. Dunlap
This abundantly illustrated volume enables you to select from a complete list of well described perennial nectar plants that are known to attract & feed Monarch butterflies. Over 40 genera are described that are suitable to be grown...
Butterflies in Mind -- Perennials
Susan C. Dunlap
Butterflies in Mind - Perennials. This book is a definitive guide to perennial nectar plants preferred by US butterflies. It empowers you to feed, attract, support (and help identify) nectar-feeding butterflies that reside in the US....

Polites themistocles, Tawny-edged Skipper
This diminutive skipper, just under 1”-wide, can be found throughout the US and into Canada. It will nectar on several native and naturalized plants, many that are cultivated and attractive to multiple butterflies. If you wish to feed the Tawny-edged Skipper, you might start with the perennials Echinacea and Trifolium as a way to get started while waiting for a shrub to reach flowering stage.

Tawny-edged Skipper will nectar on:
Apocynum
Buddleja
Cichorium intybus
Cirsium
*Echinacea purpurea
*Houstonia
Medicago sativa
Trifolium pratense

*Native in most eastern states.
All of the other plants are either native or naturalized in every state.
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Tawny-edged Skipper Host plants are grasses – the US Forest mentions that the host plants are “short turf grass.” Poa is mentioned most often – Poa pratensis and P. trivialis are both short turf grasses. Other short turf grasses are Festuca rubra, Festuca ovina, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne, and Lolium multiflorum.
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Creative Commons and Public Domain images of Polites themistocles are shown here.