Common Checkered-Skipper
Common NameCommon Checkered-Skipper
Scientific NameBurnsius communis
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatOpen fields, disturbed areas, gardens, roadsides, agricultural lands
Geographic RangeSouthern Canada, throughout the United States, Mexico, and Central America
Host Plantscommon mallow, cheeseweed, globe mallow, other plants in the Malvaceae family
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head and construct shelters by folding or tying leaves together. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon within a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive checkered pattern of white spots on a dark background, especially on the forewings and hindwings. They have a rapid, erratic, darting flight and often rest with their wings held partially open.
Description
A small, dark skipper with a checkered pattern of numerous white spots on its dark brown to black wings, and a distinctive checkered fringe along the wing edges.
