2025 MURAL SPECIES!
poweshiek skipperling
Ojibwe: Memengwaanhs
Latin: Oarisma poweshiek
STATUS:
US STATUS: LE - Listed Endangered
MI STATUS: E - Endangered (Legally Protected)
ARTIST:
Jasmine Bruce
Jasmine Bruce is a visionary muralist and illustrator whose work explores themes of healing, spirituality, and identity. Through large-scale public art, she brings untold stories to life, fostering connection and conscious awareness. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she is a Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and Newsmaker of the Arts, recognized for her impact as both an artist and community advocate.
Find more of Jasmine’s work here!
EDUCATOR:
David Pavlik
David Pavlik is a researcher in the Haddad Lab at Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University. Since 2019, he has helped manage endangered butterflies programs in North Carolina and Michigan. He currently manages the endangered butterfly program at the John Ball Zoo, focusing on Poweshiek Skipperling, Mitchell's Satyr, and Karner Blue conservation.
Visit our Poweshiek Skipperling mural in downtown Grand Rapids at 56 Front Avenue NW!
Description:
Upper surfaces are dark brown with an orange costal area on the forewing. The undersurface of the hindwing has veins covered with white scales; basal area veins are dark brown without white scales. The caterpillar is pale green with a dark green dorsal band outlined by cream lines.
Habitat and Occurrence
If you’re looking to find a Poweshiek Skipperling for yourself, check within the following ecosystems within the green counties on the map!
All information on this page is generously provided by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI). For more information about Poweshiek Skipperlings - visit the species description here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/poweshiek-skipperling. To learn more about Michigan’s biodiversity, ecological communities and natural heritage, visit mnfi.anr.msu.edu
get involved with poweshiek skipperling conservation!
While there are currently no Community Science projects specifically operating to benefit the preservation of Poweshiek Skipperlings in Michigan, there are many organizations who work to protect the habitats where they reside! Volunteer with some of these organizations and help protect the habitat that Poweshiek Skipperlings need in order to survive.
report an observation
MNFI stewards the Michigan Natural Heritage Database and track observations of some of Michigan’s rarest forms of life to fully understand the population and range of rare species to protect biodiversity in Michigan. If you have encountered a Poweshiek Skipperling, you can share the location information with these trusted conservation professionals here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/report