Common Checkered Skipper and Mallows

Common Checkered Skippers have many hostplants, all mallows. The one pictured here is a common weed Malva parviflora. They also use Malva neglecta and hollyhocks. They are very cagey about how they use the plant. Whereas Ladies create a web encrusted in frass on the surface of the leaf ( which makes them obvious but unappetizing) the Checkered Skipper folds back a section of the leaf and sews the fold closed. You would never notice the section was missing! They are completely hidden! Clever!