Acacia Skipper
Common NameAcacia Skipper
Scientific NamePholisora mejicanus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, yellow, white
HabitatArid scrub, desert washes, canyons, rocky areas
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), Mexico
Host PlantsAcacia greggii, Acacia
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various Acacia species, typically constructing shelters from leaves. Like other skippers, it undergoes complete metamorphosis.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its small size, very dark overall coloration with small pale spots on the forewing, and its association with arid habitats where its host plant, Acacia, is present.
Description
A small, dark brown to blackish skipper with small yellowish-white spots on the forewings and faint darker banding on the hindwings. Its wing fringes are pale or checkered.
