Metardaris cosinga
Common NameMetardaris cosinga
Scientific NameMetardaris cosinga
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, orange
HabitatMontane cloud forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouth America (e.g., Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador)
Host Plantsgrasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions (with potential seasonal peaks)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike most skippers, eggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green or brown, often with a distinct head, and construct shelters from leaves. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon, usually within a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark wings with bright orange-yellow translucent markings, the robust hairy body with an orange abdominal tuft, and the characteristic clubbed antennae with a hooked tip (apiculus).
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark brown to black wings featuring prominent orange-yellow translucent spots and streaks. Its robust body is covered in dark and orange-brown hairs, culminating in a distinctive orange tuft at the end of the abdomen.
