Eight-spotted Longtail
Common NameEight-spotted Longtail
Scientific NameUrbanus simplicius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)47.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatOpen areas, forest edges, clearings, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsPhaseolus, Desmodium, Rhynchosia, Canavalia, Vigna, Clitoria
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas; multiple broods March-November in warmer temperate zones
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head, often covered in fine hairs, and pupate in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown wings with a distinct pattern of translucent white spots on the forewings. Unlike some other 'longtail' skippers, this species has very short or absent tails.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark brown wings featuring a series of small, rectangular, translucent white spots on the forewings. Its body is hairy and brown, and it typically lacks prominent tails.
