Observation date: August 03, 2024
Submitted by: Robert Gorman
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: We were looking for skippers on a hilltop when thunderstorms chased us to lower ground, this showed up on the way out and also a wood nymph that got taken from we by a robber fly yes another mead's oops saw a few skippers and wondering what the difference between western branded and common branded is. also if it's in this area?
Status: Resident
Verified by: James Steen
Verified date: August 09, 2024
Coordinator notes: I've always loved spotting a Pin White when I lived in my native CA. You asked about differences between the Common and Western Banded Skippers and if they occur in the area of this sighting. The only skipper of those two would be the Western Banded Skipper, Hesperia colorado. The Common Banded Skipper, Hesperia comma is not found in Utah. Although back in the day Hesperia comma was designated to be widespread in Utah while Hesperia colorado, back then Hesperia comma colorado, was a subspecies confined to high altitudes in CO. So as with many species they have been placed differently as has been done with Speyeria and even Papilio species. I'm working on the two checkerspot sightings you submitted, I want to get the exact subspecies of them figured out. Thanks, JAMES STEEN
