Michigan Nature Presents: Life on the Brink - Poweshiek skipperling

Once abundant across the prairies of several upper Midwest states and central Canadian provinces, the tiny Poweshiek skipperling butterfly is now found only in a handful of sites in Oakland County, Michigan and in Manitoba, Canada. "Life on the Brink" tells the story of the international partnership, including the Michigan Nature Association, working to save this species from extinction.
Created with the help of the award-winning videography team of Fauna Creative, and partners: John Ball Zoo, Minnesota Zoo, MSU Kellogg Biological Station Haddad Lab, and Springfield Township.
Funding for the Poweshiek skipperling captive rearing program, habitat management, and surveying was provided from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Threatened and Endangered Species Template.

[@pavlikphotographyproductions]

Thanks, MNA and Fauna Creative for bringing more awareness to this excellent partnership!

[@russellhogan2708]

Excellent. So glad you all are doing this work. Spartans Will.

[@robertcarey6388]

Good video

[@lyndapower9408]

This little butterfly IS VERY PRETTY - it's 2 brightly colored spots on its wings definitely stand out and give it color. Love what you all are doing to save it. Good Luck. - Lynda Power

[@michigannature]

Thank you Lynda for your comment! The two spots on the butterfly's wings in the video are actually markers that help scientists track individual butterflies when captured for surveying, without harming the butterfly. Still, a fascinating looking butterfly!

[@lyndapower9408]

@@michigannature It's still very pretty!

[@jesselincoln6951]

great video... just awesome

[@peterkleinhenz]

This was excellent! Keep up the good work!

[@calvinfloyd6879]

Keep it up!!

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

[@ryanchew749]

There are several native grasses, and possibly sedges, that are host plants for Poweshiek skipperlings. They seem to thrive in very open areas with few/no shrubs, and at least some wetland nearby. In Michigan most known habitats have been prairies at the edge of fens.