Caribbean Duskywing
Common NameCaribbean Duskywing
Scientific NameEphyriades brunnea
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, iridescent purple, iridescent blue
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeCaribbean islands (e.g., Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Cayman Islands), occasionally strays to Florida
Host PlantsByrsonima lucida, Byrsonima crassifolia, Malpighia glabra
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green with a darker head, feeding on the leaves. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon made of leaves.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall dark, often iridescent appearance and its Caribbean range. It lacks the prominent white or hyaline spots found on the forewings of many other duskywing species.
Description
A medium-sized, robust skipper with broad, dark brown to black wings that often display a subtle iridescent purplish-blue sheen, especially on the outer margins.
