Tropical Checkered-Skipper
Common NameTropical Checkered-Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus oileus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, gray
HabitatOpen fields, disturbed areas, gardens, roadsides, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona, California), Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and South America
Host PlantsSida, Malvastrum, Abutilon, Modiola, various mallows (Malvaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods in warmer temperate zones
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Larvae are typically green with a dark head, feeding on mallow species. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon formed by silk and leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent checkered pattern of white spots on dark brown wings, particularly the distinct white spots on both forewings and hindwings. Like other skippers, it has a robust body and clubbed antennae with a hooked tip.
Description
This small skipper has dark brown wings heavily marked with numerous white, somewhat rectangular spots, creating a distinct checkered pattern. Its robust body is covered in grayish-brown hairs.
