Brazilian Skipper
Common NameBrazilian Skipper
Scientific NameCalpodes ethlius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, white
HabitatGardens, parks, disturbed areas, wetlands, areas with canna lilies
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsCanna spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a dark head, typically found rolled within canna leaves where they feed. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon constructed inside a leaf roll.
Identification TipsKey features include its relatively large size for a skipper, the prominent reddish-brown wings with translucent white forewing spots, and its strong association with Canna lilies as host plants. The hooked antennae are characteristic of the skipper family.
Description
This robust skipper features a hairy, brownish-grey body and antennae with distinctive hooked clubs. Its wings are a rich reddish-brown, adorned with several small, translucent white spots on the forewings.
