Common Checkered Skipper
Pyrgus communis
July 24, 2011
 


  For the past few weeks, I've photographed several common checkered skippers (Pyrgus communis): a small butterfly. Of course, I don't think of them as common. If you ask me, the common checkered skipper is rather striking.

In addition to its bold checkered pattern, the male has a blue-gray body.

 
Male common checkered skipper
 
  I was searching for different poses of the checkered skipper when I came across a photo that I had taken last year. In looking through an ID book (Butterflies through Binoculars), I believe it's a female.
 
Female common checkered skipper
 
  The female is more brown than blue-gray and far less hairy. Figures.

Photo note: I used the Pentax K20D, with the Voigtlander 125mm macro lens, in May 2011 and August 2010, respectively, for the two photos.



My Pennsylvania butterfly page

Look Out!   |   Contact