While photographing a wild aster a Delaware skipper landed on a flower, much to my delight. Like butterflies and moths, skippers are in the lepidoptera family of insects. There are many species of skippers; most of them are small and usually dull colors of orange-brown and tan.

Most skippers resemble a F-22 Raptor jet fighter. These insects hold their forewings and hindwings at different angles. Skippers have hooked antennae similar to the tip of a crochet hook.

The skipper flit from flower to flower, landing for a moment to suck the plant’s sweet, nourishing nectar. Gardeners often plant asters to attract butterflies and to help honeybees and bumblebees survive.  And there is something peaceful about watching these insects going about their daily routine. It is very calming.