# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 11 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Common Checkered-Skipper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Common_Checkered-skipper_-_Pyrgus_communis%252C_Meadowwood_Farm_SRMA%252C_Mason_Neck%252C_Virginia.jpg&width=800) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Common_Checkered-skipper_-_Pyrgus_communis%252C_Meadowwood_Farm_SRMA%252C_Mason_Neck%252C_Virginia.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Hesperiidae - **Genus:** Burnsius ## 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 - **Darting Dashes:** Common Checkered-Skipper can fly in quick, erratic bursts because of powerful wing muscles that help them evade predators. - **Nectar Straw:** Common Checkered-Skipper has a long proboscis that helps them reach sweet nectar deep inside flowers. - **Pattern Camouflage:** Common Checkered-Skipper can blend into dappled light because its checkered wings help them disappear in shadows. - **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 - **Eats:** [Common Mallow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-mallow) (*Malva neglecta*) — Larvae feed on its leaves for growth. - **Pollinates:** [White Clover](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-clover) (*Trifolium repens*) — Adults collect nectar and spread pollen. - **Eaten by:** [European Mantis](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-mantis) (*Mantis religiosa*) — Skippers can be prey for this ambush predator. - **Eaten by:** [Say's Phoebe](https://www.snappit.app/explore/says-phoebe) (*Sayornis saya*) — Insectivorous birds, like this one, eat skippers. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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? Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Blake Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/blake-garden) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [Broadway Avenue Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/broadway-avenue-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Capitol Park Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/capitol-park-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Chadwick Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chadwick-arboretum) — Ohio, US · Botanical Garden - [Grand Circus Park Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/grand-circus-park-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Greektown](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/greektown) — Michigan, US · Neighborhood [View all places to see Common Checkered-Skipper](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/common-checkered-skipper) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Common Checkered-Skipper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-checkered-skipper)