ExploreInsects

Common Checkered-Skipper

Burnsius communis

The Common Checkered-Skipper is a small butterfly with a unique checkered pattern on its wings. It flits around fields and gardens, bringing joy with its playful movements.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Common Checkered-Skipper has a fuzzy, dark body and distinct black-and-white checkered wings. Its wings are mottled, with males often appearing frosted white, making it visually different from solid-colored butterflies. Unique hooked antennae distinguish it visually from moths.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusBurnsius
Common Checkered-Skipper
social trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Common Checkered-Skipper

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

11

Interesting facts

Baby skippers (caterpillars) build tiny leaf shelters to live in.

Despite looking like moths, they are actually true butterflies!

Their antennae have a cool little hook at the very tip!

They're called 'skippers' because of their zig-zag, skipping flight!

Special abilities

Ability

Darting Dashes

Common Checkered-Skipper can fly in quick, erratic bursts because of powerful wing muscles that help them evade predators.

Ability

Nectar Straw

Common Checkered-Skipper has a long proboscis that helps them reach sweet nectar deep inside flowers.

Ability

Pattern Camouflage

Common Checkered-Skipper can blend into dappled light because its checkered wings help them disappear in shadows.

Ability

Sun Power-Up

Common Checkered-Skipper can quickly warm its body by basking in the sun, which helps them become ready for flight.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-38 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Checkered-Skippers mainly sip sugary nectar from flowers to get energy.

Age differences: Larvae munch on leaves of mallow plants, while adults drink nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Flower nectar
  • Water
  • Minerals

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are friendly, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Common Checkered-Skipper?

The easiest way to identify Common Checkered-Skipper is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Common Checkered-Skipper's wingspan?

25-38 mm

How big is Common Checkered-Skipper?

10-15 mm

How long does Common Checkered-Skipper live?

10-20 days

How fast can Common Checkered-Skipper fly?

20 km/h

What does Common Checkered-Skipper eat?

Adult Checkered-Skippers mainly sip sugary nectar from flowers to get energy.

Where is Common Checkered-Skipper usually found?

Grasslands

How does Common Checkered-Skipper hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Where to spot

More Insects