Does the common checkered skipper butterfly have a checkered past?
That is, "good" and "bad" periods in its life history?
It's known as Burnsius communis, formerly Pyrgus communis, a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It derives its common name from its checkerboard pattern of blue-gray and white on its wings. The male (above) tends to have broader bands than the female.
It is common, as its name implies. It frequents gardens, parks, fields, roadsides, riverbanks, lowlands and foothills throughout southern Canada and almost the entire expanse of the United States, scientists say. It has also been spotted in Mexico.
It frequents our pollinator garden and is especially fond of lavender. It manages to get its fair shair, as it flutters around avoiding the honey bees.
And yes, it's a pollinator, and this week we are celebrating National Pollinator Week, founded by Pollinator Partnership.
Checkered past or not--not!--welcome B. communis.