Green-backed Ruby-eye
Common NameGreen-backed Ruby-eye
Scientific NameChaetocneme beata
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyChaetocneminae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, blue, red
HabitatRainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales)
Host PlantsMacaranga tanarius, Mallotus philippensis, Commersonia bartramia, Pipturus argenteus
Flight PeriodMost of the year in tropical regions, summer and autumn in southern parts of its range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various rainforest trees, constructing shelters by folding leaves. Pupation occurs within these leaf shelters.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive bright ruby-red eyes, robust skipper body, and the combination of mottled brown/orange forewings with iridescent blue-purple hindwing patches.
Description
A robust skipper with a hairy, brown body and prominent ruby-red eyes. Its forewings are mottled brown and orange, while the hindwings display iridescent blue-purple patches.
