Little Branded Swift
Common NameLittle Branded Swift
Scientific NamePelopidas agna
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatGrasslands, open fields, gardens, forest edges, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, parts of Australia
Host Plantsrice, sugarcane, bamboo, various grasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green, feeding on grass leaves, and pupate in a loose cocoon among foliage.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown wings with a distinct pattern of small, translucent white spots on the forewing. Males have a prominent brand (stigma) on the forewing, which helps distinguish it from similar *Pelopidas* species.
Description
A small to medium-sized skipper with a robust body and dark brown wings. The forewings feature a series of small, translucent white spots, while the hindwings may have a few smaller spots.
