Forest Sandman
Common NameForest Sandman
Scientific NameSpialia forestan
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, savanna, gardens
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa (widespread from South Africa to Ethiopia and Senegal)
Host PlantsHibiscus, Pavonia, Sida, Triumfetta, Waltheria
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, peaks during rainy season
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on leaves, often creating shelters by folding leaves, and pupate in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the dark ground color with numerous distinct white spots, particularly the submarginal band on the hindwing. The checkered white and dark fringe is also characteristic, along with the robust body and hooked antennae typical of skippers.
Description
A small, robust skipper with dark brown to black wings heavily marked with numerous bright white spots, and a checkered fringe. The body is hairy and dark with lighter bands on the abdomen.
