Pyrgus oileus
Size:
Wingspan is 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inches.
Similar Species:
Common Checkered-Skipper
White Checkered-Skipper
Habitat:
Open sunny areas, brushy fields, wooded trails and roadsides.
Range/Abundance:
Very rare migrant species with single
records in NC and SC. Not reported in VA or WV.
Flight Period:
A very rare migrant that should be expected in late summer or early fall.
Larval Host Plants:
Plants in the mallow family Malvaceae.
Comments:
Given these small skippers land rarely and only briefly, being able to
tell them apart from Common Checkered-Skipper
is very difficult unless you get a really good look.
The top and second photos were taken in Hidalgo Co., TX on December 05,
2004. The bottom photo was taken by Jeffery
Pippen in Miami-Dade Co., FL on August 09, 2003.
