Blurry-striped Longtail
Common NameBlurry-striped Longtail
Scientific NameUrbanus proteus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsdark brown, yellow
HabitatGardens, open fields, forest edges, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America; migratory northwards to eastern US
Host Plantsbean, pea, wisteria, clover, alfalfa, beggar's-ticks
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropics; May to November in temperate regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on legume host plants. Larvae are green with yellow stripes and a dark head, feeding on leaves. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon, with multiple broods per year.
Identification TipsKey features include the exceptionally long hindwing tails, the dark brown base color, and the specific arrangement of small yellow spots on the forewings. Its robust body and rapid, erratic flight are typical of skippers.
Description
A medium-sized, dark brown skipper characterized by very long tails on its hindwings and several small, rectangular yellow spots on its forewings. The underside of the hindwings often exhibits faint, blurry banding.
