Two-banded Checkered-Skipper
Common NameTwo-banded Checkered-Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus ruralis
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, forest clearings, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to California, and east to Montana and Wyoming.
Host PlantsSidalcea, Malva, other plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae)
Flight PeriodApril to July, typically one brood.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on the leaves and pupate in a loose cocoon. Overwinters as a larva.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive checkered pattern of white spots on a dark background. The underside of the hindwing typically shows two prominent white bands, though not visible in this dorsal view.
Description
A small, dark skipper with a checkered pattern of numerous white spots and bands on a dark brown to black background. The body is robust and hairy.
