Broad Banded-Skipper
Common NameBroad Banded-Skipper
Scientific NameAutochton longipennis
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white, blue-green
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, riparian areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Arizona, Texas), Central America, and northern South America
Host PlantsLonchocarpus, Piscidia, Erythrina
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; May to November in northern parts of its range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on leaves, often creating shelters by folding leaves, and pupate in a cocoon within a leaf.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad, pale, translucent band on the forewing and the iridescent blue-green coloration on the head and thorax. Its robust body and hooked antennae are typical skipper features.
Description
A robust, medium-sized skipper with dark brown wings featuring a prominent, broad, pale blue or white diagonal band across the forewings and an iridescent blue-green head and thorax.
