Gisca Skipper
Common NameGisca Skipper
Scientific NameCymaenes gisca
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown
HabitatOpen grassy areas, forest edges, clearings, disturbed fields
Geographic RangeMexico south to Argentina, occasionally straying into the southern United States (Texas, Florida)
Host PlantsPaspalum, Panicum, Saccharum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host grasses, larvae feed on the leaves, and pupation occurs in a silken shelter among the grass. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsIdentified by its small size, plain brown coloration, and typical skipper morphology. Distinguishing it from similar species often requires close examination of subtle wing markings or genitalia.
Description
A small, robustly built skipper with plain brown wings, often showing faint darker spots on the forewings. The underside is uniformly brown.
