Chequered Skipper
Common NameChequered Skipper
Scientific NameCarterocephalus palaemon
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, dark brown, black
HabitatDamp grasslands, woodland clearings, forest edges, rides, and glades.
Geographic RangeAcross Eurasia from Western Europe to Japan, and in North America from Alaska to Nova Scotia and south to the Great Lakes region.
Host PlantsBrachypodium sylvaticum, Molinia caerulea, Calamagrostis purpurea, Dactylis glomerata
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae feed on grasses, creating a leaf-roll shelter, overwintering as a larva before pupating the following spring.
Identification TipsLook for the unique checkered pattern of orange and dark brown on its wings, its small size, and characteristic rapid, darting flight. The antennae have a distinct club with a hooked tip.
Description
A small, distinctive skipper with a checkered pattern of orange-yellow and dark brown or black squares on its wings, and a hooked antenna club.
