Golden-headed Scallopwing
Common NameGolden-headed Scallopwing
Scientific NameStaphylus ceos
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, golden
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (e.g., Texas, Arizona), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsSida spp., Malvastrum spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; March to November in temperate areas
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves, often creating shelters by folding or tying leaves together, and pupate in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the striking golden-yellow head, the overall dark brown coloration of the body and wings, the presence of a few small white spots on the forewings, and the scalloped edges of the hindwings.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper characterized by its prominent golden-yellow head and antennae. Its wings are dark, often mottled, with a few tiny white or translucent spots on the forewings and distinctly scalloped hindwing margins.
