Coastal Plain Skipper
Common NameCoastal Plain Skipper
Scientific NamePanoquina fusina
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatOpen grassy areas, coastal plains, fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Host Plantssugarcane, rice, various large-bladed grasses
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in tropical areas; spring to fall in temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grass blades, creating shelters by rolling leaves, and pupate within these shelters.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the dark brown body and wings, and the distinctive broad white band on the hindwing, which helps distinguish it from similar skippers.
Description
A medium-sized, dark brown skipper characterized by a prominent, broad white band across the hindwing, visible on both upper and underside. The forewings are uniformly dark brown.
