Dark Orange Dart
Common NameDark Orange Dart
Scientific NamePotanthus serina
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, dark brown
HabitatOpen grasslands, forest edges, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsImperata cylindrica, Saccharum officinarum, Oryza sativa, Paspalum conjugatum, various grasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are caterpillars that feed on various grasses, pupating into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, rapid darting flight, and the specific pattern of bright orange-yellow spots on a dark brown background. Antennae are typically hooked at the tip, characteristic of skippers.
Description
A small skipper with dark brown wings prominently marked with bright orange or yellow patches, particularly on the forewings and hindwings. Its body is also brownish-orange.
