Common Roadside-Skipper
Amblyscirtes vialis
Despite its name, The Common Roadside-Skipper is not a common species in Wisconsin. Before I had ever seen this species, I had asked other butterfliers that had seen this species where I might expect to see it; they said along roadsides, which is, perhaps unsurprisingly, exactly where I found my first one.

Weekly sightings for Common Roadside-Skipper
Identifying characteristics
Above, this species is a dark skipper with 3-4 spots in a row on the forewing margin and a few other light markings. The fringe on both wing margins is conspicuously checkered. Below, it is dark with a lighter violet sheen, especially on the outer margin of the hindwing. The forewing has 3-4 light spots.
Similar species
The Dusted Skipper is somewhat similar, but it is a lighter brown with more white spots, especially on the hindwing below, and it has no obvious checkered fringe like the Common Roadside-Skipper. The Pepper and Salt Skipper does have checkered fringes, but is a lighter brown and has frosting over the entire hindwing below, and a white spot-band similar to the spot-band of the Cobweb Skipper, although it is somewhat obscure.
Habitat
Woodland edges, roadsides, and barren areas.
Flight
The Common Roadside-Skipper is double brooded and can be found from May until late August. In Butterflies through Binoculars: The East, Jeff Glassberg says the second brood is rare.
Abundance
An uncommon species but sometimes fairly common in a small area.
Locations



Danbury Wildlife Area, Burnett Co., WI. May 28, 2007.

Danbury Wildlife Area, Burnett Co., WI. May 28, 2007.

Avoca Wildlife Area, Iowa Co., WI. August 7, 2008.

Avoca Wildlife Area, Iowa Co., WI. August 24, 2008.

Waumandee Creek Farm, Buffalo Co., WI. July 24, 2008.

Trempealeau NWR, Trempealeau Co., WI, July 11, 2005.