Nikon 7900 pocket camera – hand held images. This is number three in this week’s theme of “Butterflies”. These were taken last October. In order to fill out the week, I had to go back in my files for a couple of shots from last year because I have not managed to capture seven Butterfly images this year. I don’t see many and I get even fewer chances to get close enough, quick enough, to get a shot. There are a few rare exceptions such as the image I posted last Sunday, lol. Although I have identified this as a White Checkered Skipper, it could just as easily be a Common Checkered Skipper. Apparently they can only be positively identified with the help of a magnifying lens and some kinky examinations. I just felt this one was better than merely “common”, lol. Kingdom Animalia (Animals) Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods) Class Insecta (Insects) Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths) Superfamily Papilionoidea (Butterflies) Family Hesperiidae (Skippers) Subfamily Pyrginae (Spread-wing Skippers) Genus Pyrgus Species notaxon (Common/White Checkered-Skipper) Adult is usually lighter than Common Checkered-Skipper, and male often has complete black checks in wing fringes. Upper side of male is bluish-gray; female black. Both sexes have large white spots which form median bands across both wings. Male has costal fold enclosing scent scales on upper side of forewing (whatever that means, lol). Underside of both wings dull white with dark gray or olive bands. The spots of the hind wing marginal row are very small; the spots of sub-marginal row are larger. Wingspan 2.5-3.8 cm Much of North America, south of northern forests; absent from southern California and southern Texas. The White Checkered-Skipper may be replacing the Common Checkered-Skipper in the southeastern states. Larvae feed on mallows (Malvaceae), including Althea, Abutilon, Malva. Adults take nectar. Thanks to those who take the time to comment. Lee