Mangrove Skipper
Common NameMangrove Skipper
Scientific NamePhocides pygmalion
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, iridescent blue
HabitatMangrove swamps, coastal hammocks, tropical hardwood hammocks
Geographic RangeSouthern Florida (USA), Caribbean, Central America, northern South America
Host PlantsRhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, mainly spring to fall in Florida
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on mangrove leaves. Larvae are green with a black head, creating leaf shelters. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon within a folded leaf.
Identification TipsLook for its dark, robust body and the characteristic row of small, iridescent blue spots on the hindwings. Its antennae have hooked clubs, typical of skippers.
Description
A medium-sized, robust skipper with dark brown to blackish wings, featuring a distinctive row of iridescent blue spots along the margin of the hindwings.
