Butterfly Watch: Common Checkered Skipper

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 14, 2010

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Common Checkered SkipperĀ  (Pyrgus Communis)

3/4″ to 1 1/2 “

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Wing pattern varies quite a bit. Considered the most common skipper in North America. Skippers unlike most butterflies, are hairy, compact, & their wings are short and triangular. The male is considered aggressive and territorial. (Isn’t that crazy? How does a male butterfly fight another male butterfly? Does he flick his proboscis at him or what?)

Adult feeds on nectar from white-flowered composites including shepherd’s needles, fleabane, and asters; also red clover, knapweed, beggar’s ticks, and many others.