Checkered-skipper
Guides
Burnsius
New World Checkered-Skippers
Burnsius is a genus of New World checkered-skippers in the butterfly family Hesperiidae, erected by Nick V. Grishin in 2019 based on genomic analysis of 250 representative skipper species. The genus was created to contain approximately 12 species formerly classified in Pyrgus, with the number of described species later expanding to 14. These butterflies are characterized by their distinctive checkered wing patterns and are found exclusively in the New World.
Burnsius communis
common checkered-skipper
Burnsius communis, the common checkered-skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae (skippers). Formerly classified as Pyrgus communis, this species is among the most frequently encountered skippers in the northern United States. It is recognized by its distinctive checkered wing pattern and blue-gray body with fine hair. The species exhibits broad geographic distribution across North America, with multiple broods in southern regions and two broods in northern areas.
Burnsius philetas
Desert Checkered-Skipper
Burnsius philetas, the desert checkered-skipper, is a small skipper butterfly (wingspan 25–29 mm) found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Formerly classified under Pyrgus, this species was reassigned to the genus Burnsius based on molecular and morphological evidence. It exhibits multiple generations per year with activity extending from early spring through late fall, with timing varying by latitude and elevation. The species is notable for its checkered wing pattern and association with dry, open habitats.
Pyrgus
Grizzled Skippers, Checkered Skippers
Pyrgus is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as grizzled skippers. The genus occurs primarily in the Holarctic region, with some species extending into the Neotropics. Following a major taxonomic revision in 2019, most New World species were moved to other genera (Burnsius, Chirgus, Heliopetes), leaving only four Pyrgus species in the Americas: P. centaureae, P. ruralis, P. scriptura, and P. xanthus. The genus is characterized by small butterflies with checkered or grizzled wing patterns.
Pyrgus centaureae loki
Pyrgus centaureae loki is a subspecies of the Northern Grizzled Skipper, a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is one of several recognized subspecies of Pyrgus centaureae, a species distributed across northern regions of Europe and North America. The subspecies was described by Evans in 1953. Like other members of the genus Pyrgus, it is characterized by a checkered wing pattern and rapid, darting flight behavior typical of skippers.
Pyrgus ruralis
Two-banded Checkered-Skipper, Two-banded Checkered Skipper
Pyrgus ruralis is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the two-banded checkered skipper. It occurs across western North America from southern British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains south to central California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The species has one generation annually, with adults active from April to July. A federally endangered subspecies, P. r. lagunae (Laguna Mountains skipper), persists in a restricted range in the mountains east of San Diego, California.