Neotropical Chequered Skipper (male)

Description:

The Tropical Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus oileus) is a species of skipper (family Hesperiidae). It is found from Peninsular Florida, the Gulf Coast, and southern Texas, south through the West Indies, Mexico and Central America to Argentina. The wingspan wingspan is 32–38 mm. Males of P. oileus have a downy covering of greyish-white scales which are not present in other neotropical Pyrgus species. Females are darker, and lack the costal fold. A very small skipper feeding on small bushes and wild flowers close to the ground.

Habitat:

Pyrgus oileus can be found in a wide variety of disturbed semi-open habitats including pastures, rainforest clearings, roadsides, grassland / forest mosaics and farmland. It is commonest at altitudes between sea level and about 600m, but can be found to at least 1800m, probably much higher.