Giant Skipper
Common NameGiant Skipper
Scientific NameTelchin licus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyMegathyminae
Wingspan (mm)85
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, orange
HabitatTropical forests, banana plantations, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeCentral and South America (from Mexico to Argentina)
Host PlantsMusa spp. (banana), Heliconia spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large borers that feed inside the pseudostems or leaves of banana and Heliconia plants, creating silken shelters, and are often considered agricultural pests.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, dark brown wings with a broad white band on the hindwings, and the distinctive orange-red band along the hindwing's inner margin.
Description
This is a large, robust skipper with dark brown wings. The hindwings display a prominent white band across the center, bordered by a striking orange-red band along the inner margin, while the forewings have a smaller, less distinct white patch.
