Oriental Skipper
Common NameOriental Skipper
Scientific NamePyrgus orcus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, white
HabitatOpen grassy areas, scrubland, forest clearings, hilly regions
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand)
Host PlantsPotentilla spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants; larvae feed on leaves, often creating shelters; pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic grizzled appearance of the wings with a mix of dark brown/gray and white spots, especially the prominent white spots on the hindwings. The robust body and hooked antennae are typical skipper features.
Description
A small, robust skipper with mottled grayish-brown wings featuring irregular dark patches and distinct white spots, and a hairy greenish-gray body.
