Indian Palm Bob
Common NameIndian Palm Bob
Scientific NameSuastus gremius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, white
HabitatGardens, plantations, open woodlands, areas with palm trees
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsCocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis, Phoenix dactylifera, Areca catechu, Rhapis excelsa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the underside of host palm leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on leaves and constructing shelters by folding leaves. Pupation occurs within a silken cocoon in a folded leaf.
Identification TipsLook for its dull brown coloration, the characteristic arrangement of small pale spots on the forewing (often 2-3 in a line), and the presence of darker spots on the hindwing. Its robust body and hooked antennae are typical skipper features.
Description
A small, robust skipper with dull brown wings, featuring several dark spots on the hindwing and a few small, pale, translucent spots on the forewing. The underside is typically paler brown.
