Common Blue-Skipper
Common NameCommon Blue-Skipper
Scientific NameUrbanus procne
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, silvery-white, iridescent blue
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Texas, Arizona, Florida), Mexico, Central America, and South America
Host PlantsDesmodium, Phaseolus, Rhynchosia, Centrosema
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas; March to November in warmer temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Caterpillars feed on legumes, and pupation occurs in a loose cocoon, often within a folded leaf.
Identification TipsKey features include its dark brown dorsal coloration, the distinct broad light band on the hindwings, and the iridescent blue sheen on the underside of the hindwings (not visible in this dorsal view). Like other skippers, it has a robust body and a fast, darting flight.
Description
A medium-sized, robust skipper with dark brown wings. The dorsal hindwings feature a broad, prominent silvery-white to light brown band, while the forewings have subtle darker markings.
