Lesser Band Dart
Common NameLesser Band Dart
Scientific NamePotanthus omaha
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, orange, yellow
HabitatOpen grasslands, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines)
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae family)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grass blades, often constructing leaf shelters, before pupating in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include its stout, hairy body, hooked antennae typical of skippers, and the specific arrangement of bright orange spots and bands on its black wings, especially the prominent band on the hindwing.
Description
A small, robust skipper with a hairy, orange-brown body. Its black wings are prominently marked with bright orange to yellowish-orange, somewhat rectangular spots and bands.
