Giant Redeye
Common NameGiant Redeye
Scientific NameGangara thyrsis
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black
HabitatForests, forest edges, palm plantations
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host Plantscoconut palm, oil palm, date palm, rattan
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green and cylindrical, feeding on palm leaves, often creating shelters by rolling leaves. Pupation occurs within a cocoon made from leaf fragments.
Identification TipsLook for its large size for a skipper, robust body, dark wings, and most notably, the prominent bright red eyes. Antennae have a distinctive hooked club.
Description
A large, robust skipper butterfly with dark brown to black wings and distinctive bright red eyes. The underside of the hindwings often features a few pale yellowish spots.
