Observation date: April 21, 2019
Submitted by: Joshua C
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I know barely anything about skippers but this one looks most like a common checkered to me. Seen in the end of the canyon where it starts to narrow and get steeper. I believe I saw this insect next to a very small stream.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: July 22, 2021
Coordinator notes: and you would have to pick THIS one to start learning! :^) This skipper is one of two look-alikes (the other is White Checkered-skipper) that co-occur across much of New Mexico and the West. They cannot be distinguished based on wing characters alone. Those of us who do not have dissecting equipment (most of us) just have to settle for not knowing which it is. I'm approving it to get it into the database, which also will have to live with not really knowing which it is. This complex of two species is common, widespread, has several generations per year, and is seen quite often. You'll get used to seeing it and not knowing.
