Mexican Sootywing
Image: Gaiacoyote (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameMexican Sootywing
Scientific NamePholisora mejicanus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)28.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatOpen, dry areas, desert washes, canyons, scrublands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, southern California) and Mexico
Host PlantsAmaranthus, Chenopodium
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves, often creating shelters, and pupate in a loose cocoon. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for its overall dark brown coloration with many small white spots on both wings, and the prominent white ring around its eyes. It has a typical fast, darting skipper flight.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with numerous small white spots scattered across both forewings and hindwings, and a distinctive white-ringed eye.
