Common Checkered-Skipper

Common Checkered-Skipper

Pyrgus communis
SKIPPER FAMILY (Hesperiidae)

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This diminutive butterfly has a wingspan of 3/4 – 1 1/4 inches and is readily identified by its gray and white checkered appearance. Dorsally, the background color can be dark gray to gray-brown with rows of squarish white spots. The wings near the base usually have bluish, hairy scales. The abdomen is covered with blue-gray hairs. The wing fringes are checkered gray and white. Ventrally, the forewing is similar to the top but paler. The hindwing is cream-colored to white and crossed with 4 rows of tan spots. The caterpillar is approximately 1 inch in length. It is green to pink, fuzzy and has numerous white speckles. It has gray-green and creamy lengthwise stripes and a black head. The hairs, while short, are longer than those of other open-winged skippers.

 

This is a common butterfly which flies in summer and fall. It sits low either on the ground or in vegetation and also can be seen nectaring at flowers. It adapts well to disturbed areas.

 

Host plants are members of the mallow family (Malvaceae), including mallow and hollyhock.

 

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