Common Checkered-Skipper
(Pyrgus communis)
Common Checkered-Skipper sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeMcCarthy WMA, Wabasha Co., MN. July 1, 2007.
Click to enlargeTown of Seneca, Wood Co., WI. September 29, 2007
The Common Checkered-Skipper is a unique looking butterfly in Wisconsin. It is of interest that Ebner in “Butterflies of Wisconsin” said that it “inhabits all of Wisconsin and is usually a common insect in its favored haunts”. Although it has been found throughout Wisconsin, this skipper is far from common in the northern two-thirds of the state. I have seen only one individual in over twenty years of observing. Ann and Scott Swengel, in an article on immigrant butterflies that they observed in Wisconsin from 1987 to 2001, noted that they saw only eight individuals of this skipper and they saw this species in only four of the fifteen years. I don’t really know why there is this discrepancy, but despite its name, it is not a common butterfly throughout Wisconsin.
Identifying characteristics: Above, this skipper is blackish gray with a variety of white spots including a row of large rectangular checkers through both wings. Below, this species is lighter with larger white spots. The fringe in fresh specimens is very white.
Similar species: None in Wisconsin.
Habitat: This species is found in a variety of disturbed habitats, including roadsides, gardens, railroad rights-of-way, and farmyards where its host plants, mallows, are found.
Flight: There are two broods farther south, and this species migrates north occasionally and has been found in Wisconsin in June through October.
Abundance: A rare stray in Wisconsin.
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Common Checkered-Skipper
Pyrgus communis