The fiery skipper is a butterfly of the family Hesperiidae and is approximately 1 inch long. The males are orange or yellow with black spots while the females are dark brown with orange or yellow spots. The caterpillars are greenish pink with a black head. The caterpillars are often considered pests and can feed on Bermudagrass, creeping bentgrass, and St. Augustine grass.
Fiery skippers, along with all other species of skippers and skipperlings, can hold their wings in a "triangle" shape. The forewings are held upright, and the hindwings are folded flat. This position is thought to better absorb the sun's rays.
The fiery skipper lives in North and South America, from Canada to Argentina. It is a migratory species.
Just off of a hiking/biking trail. Not much shade on some of the trails. Be sure to bring plenty of water. You may get wet feet and bug spray is recommended depending on the season.
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. The scenic Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. The park is popular for geocaching, hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.
As of January 2025, the Park Entrance Fees are as follows:
- $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle
- $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
- $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
- $60.00 Bus Tour Fee (30+ people).
- $2.00 per person, Bus Tour Fee (less than 30 people).
Park hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
The North Gate is only open on Saturday, Sunday and State Holidays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Placed with permission of Park Manager Steve Giguere