| Prygus communis (Grote, 1872) |
| Status: Uncommon to abundant stray/resident |
| Flight Period(s): Continuous flights from first appearance till frost. Nebraska records range from 15 April – 17 November. |
| Range: Found from southern Canada south to Argentina. This species is found statewide in Nebraska. |
| Larval Hostplant(s): Mallows, the most common of which is purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) |
| Overwinter: As a full-grown caterpillar |
| Commentary/Habitat: Most often found in disturbed open areas where its hostplants prosper. This species annually colonizes northern areas from its year round southern home range. Judging from some April records, this species may occasionally overwinter in Nebraska, or ride the first south winds of spring into the state. By summer's-end the checkered skipper is often abundant in the appropriate habitats. Adults prefer areas of low vegetation, which also favor its larval hostplants. Observed nectar sources include fleabane, gayfeathers, goldenrods and asters. |
| Similar Species: The rarely encountered small checkered skipper (P. scriptura) is found only in extreme western Nebraska, is generally much darker and only about half to 2/3 the size of the checkered skipper. |
