Banana Skipper
Common NameBanana Skipper
Scientific NameErionota thrax
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical regions, banana plantations, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeNative to Southeast Asia; introduced to Hawaii, Guam, Mauritius, Reunion, parts of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Host PlantsMusa species (banana), Cocos nucifera (coconut palm), Areca catechu (betel palm)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are pale green with a dark head, known for rolling banana leaves into cigar-shaped shelters where they feed and pupate.
Identification TipsLook for its unusually large size for a skipper, plain brown wings, and especially its striking red eyes. Often found in areas with banana plants.
Description
A large, robust skipper with uniformly dull brown wings and a stout, hairy body. It is most distinctive for its prominent, bright red eyes.
