Chinese Dart
Common NameChinese Dart
Scientific NamePotanthus confucius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, yellow
HabitatGrasslands, open areas, forest edges, gardens
Geographic RangeEast Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., China, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia)
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae), bamboo (Bambusa spp.)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods in temperate areas
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are typically grass feeders and often construct shelters by rolling or tying leaves together.
Identification TipsIdentified by its dark brown wings with distinct, bright orange-yellow bands and spots, particularly the prominent markings on both forewings and hindwings, and the characteristic hooked antennae of skippers.
Description
A small to medium-sized skipper with robust, hairy body and dark brown wings prominently marked with bright orange-yellow bands and spots.
