Checkered-Skipper: Common (Pyrgus communis) or White (Pyrgus albescens)

We took a field trip to Oconee and Greene counties yesterday. We stopped in north Greene county to photograph sunflowers. After a few minutes, several white and brown spread-winged skippers appeared and worked the flowers. They were frenetic. They’d spend a few seconds working a flower and then move on to another. In spite of this, I managed to get a few shots.

These are Common Checkered-Skippers (Pyrgus communis) or White Checkered-Skippers (Pyrgus albescens). There is a debate that Pyrgus albescens has displaced Pyrgus communis in this area. However, the only way to differentiate between these species is to examine the sexual organs of the males. So I have to settle for a split identification. These guys were hardly hanging around for a photograph let alone a physical examination.


I've only seen one similar butterfly previously but was unable to photograph it. It was in Walton County and had much more white than this one.
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Identification resources.
Westcentral Georgia Butterflies by Michael Beohm: Common/White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis/Pyrgus albescens)

BugGuide:
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens)

Butterflies and Moths of North America:
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens)

Butterflies of the Carolinas and Virginias
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens)