Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper
ExploreInsects
Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper
pyrgus ruralis
The Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper is a small butterfly that flits around grassy fields. Its black and white checkered wings make it look like a tiny flying puzzle piece!
Habitat: Grassy fields and open meadows
Appearance
The Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper has dark brown to black wings with distinct white spots on the forewings. Its hindwing undersides feature two prominent white bands, giving it a checkered look. A checkered fringe edges its wings, visually differentiating it from many other small butterflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusPyrgus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adults can shiver their flight muscles to warm up quickly on a cool morning!
Even though they are small, their flight path is so erratic it's hard to follow!
Its caterpillars are masters of disguise, rolling leaves to hide inside!
Skippers have special hooked antennae, making them look like tiny anglers!
Special abilities
Ability
Rapid Dodging
Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper can fly in a quick, erratic pattern that helps them escape from hungry predators.
Ability
Leaf Shelter Builder
Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper larvae can roll and silk together leaves to create a safe, hidden home.
Ability
Hooked Sensor
Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper has unique clubbed antennae with a hook that helps them navigate and find food.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults drink flower nectar for energy, while young caterpillars munch on mallow plant leaves.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults exclusively consume flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- Sidalcea leaves
- Malva leaves
- Sphaeralcea leaves
- wild buckwheat
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Checker Mallow
Sidalcea malviflora
Caterpillars feed on the leaves of this plant.
eats
Common Mallow
Malva neglecta
Another host plant for the skipper's caterpillars.
eaten by
House Wren
Troglodytes aedon
Adult skippers can be prey for small birds.
eaten by
European Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus
Adult skippers can get caught in spider webs.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Checkered SkipperPyrgus ButterflyTwo-Banded Skipper
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper?
10-15 mm
How long does Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper live?
14-30 days
How fast can Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper fly?
15 km/h
What does Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper eat?
Adults drink flower nectar for energy, while young caterpillars munch on mallow plant leaves.
Where is Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper usually found?
Grassy fields and open meadows
How does Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Two-Banded Checkered-Skipper have?
6
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