Esta Longtail
Common NameEsta Longtail
Scientific NameUrbanus proteus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsbrown, white, blue-green
HabitatGardens, fields, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, Central America, South America; migratory northwards
Host Plantsbeans, peas, wisteria, clover, other legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropics; May to November in temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on legume host plants. Caterpillars are green with yellow stripes, living in leaf rolls. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of long hindwing tails, dark brown wings with white forewing spots, and the striking iridescent blue-green body. Its rapid, erratic flight is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark brown wings adorned with translucent white spots on the forewings and distinctive long tails on the hindwings. Its body is covered in iridescent blue-green scales.
