Florida Hammock Skipper
Common NameFlorida Hammock Skipper
Scientific NamePolygonus leo
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatTropical hardwood hammocks, forest edges, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Florida, West Indies, Central America, South America
Host PlantsPiscidia piscipula (Jamaican dogwood), Lonchocarpus violaceus
Flight PeriodYear-round in south Florida
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green with a dark head, feeding on the leaves, and pupate within a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsLook for its overall dark brown appearance with a distinct pattern of white spots on the forewings, including a row of three subapical spots and two larger central spots. The underside is also dark brown, often with a purplish sheen.
Description
A medium-sized, robust skipper with dark brown wings and a series of prominent, somewhat rectangular white spots on the forewings. The body is also dark brown.
