Orchamus Skipper
Common NameOrchamus Skipper
Scientific NameXeniades orchamus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America
Host PlantsPalms (Arecaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae feed on host plants, often constructing shelters from leaves, before pupating and emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown wings with a distinctive pattern of white, somewhat rectangular spots on the forewings and a broad white band on the hindwings. Its robust body and rapid, darting flight are also characteristic of skippers.
Description
This is a robust, medium-sized skipper with dark brown wings adorned with prominent white, somewhat rectangular patches on the forewings and a broad white band on the hindwings.
