Observation date: July 02, 2013
Submitted by: GMCD
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: A large number (25+) of these small butterflies were gathering in a moist shady area under cedar trees near the Fish Lake Rest Area in the mountain pass between Kaslo and New Denver, BC. Weather was hot and sunny, with little wind. Their wingspans were typically 25-30mm, and two locations were found where large groups of these butterflies were gathered in a close group walking over each other and short flitting flights to land on and within the group of similar butterflies. The prominent white banding doesn't match the illustrations or other photos I found on the Internet for a Checkered Skipper, but all other factors seem to match that identification.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Paul Prappas
Verified date: November 08, 2022
Coordinator notes: These are moths of the genus Genus Rheumaptera, either Rheumaptera subhastata or Rheumaptera hastata. They are variable species, virtually identical, and both are found in the sighting locale. Bugguide.net states "Since these two species have virtually identical geographic ranges, examination of genitalia is the only reliable way to separate the two."
