Common Banded Demon
Common NameCommon Banded Demon
Scientific NameTagiades litigiosa
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatForest edges, clearings, gardens, open country
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia)
Host PlantsDioscorea spp., Dalbergia spp., Smilax spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae feed on host plants, often constructing leaf shelters, before pupating and emerging as adults.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall dark brown to black coloration and the distinctive broad, irregular white band on the forewing. Like other skippers, it has a robust body and hooked antennae.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark brown to black wings, characterized by a prominent, irregular white band or patch on the forewing.
