Orange Palm Dart
Common NameOrange Palm Dart
Scientific NameCephrenes augiades
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, dark brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical areas, palm plantations, gardens, coastal forests
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Pacific Islands
Host Plantscoconut palm, oil palm, date palm, Livistona spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay eggs singly on palm leaves; larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on leaves and creating shelters; pupation occurs within a silken shelter.
Identification TipsLook for its robust body, hooked antennae, and the distinctive pattern of bright orange spots and bands on dark brown wings. Its rapid, darting flight is also characteristic.
Description
A robust-bodied skipper with an orange head and thorax, and dark brown wings marked with bright orange patches, particularly on the forewings.
