White Checkered-Skipper
Common NameWhite Checkered-Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus albescens
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, gray
HabitatOpen fields, disturbed areas, roadsides, gardens, prairies, desert washes
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California) and Mexico
Host PlantsSida, Malva, Sphaeralcea, Alcea
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on mallow host plants. Larvae feed on the leaves, creating shelters by tying them together, and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground. It has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its prominent white spots on a dark background, particularly the bright white markings on the underside of the hindwing. It has the typical skipper clubbed antennae with a hooked tip.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with a distinctive 'checkered' pattern of numerous bright white spots across its forewings and hindwings. Its body is hairy and grayish.
