Florida Duskywing
Common NameFlorida Duskywing
Scientific NameEphyriades brunnea
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatTropical hardwood hammocks, forest edges, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Florida, Caribbean islands (Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Jamaica)
Host PlantsByrsonima lucida, Malpighia glabra
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on leaves. Pupation occurs in a leaf shelter, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its uniformly dark hindwings and the specific pattern of small white hyaline spots on the forewings. Its range in extreme southern Florida is also a key identifier.
Description
A medium-sized, dark brown skipper with a robust body and relatively broad wings. The forewings feature a few small, translucent white spots, while the hindwings are uniformly dark.
