Plain Longtail
Common NamePlain Longtail
Scientific NameUrbanus simplicius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown
HabitatOpen woodlands, clearings, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsDesmodium, Phaseolus, Rhynchosia, Canavalia, Vigna, Indigofera
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropics; spring to fall in temperate areas
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding within leaf shelters. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon within a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsKey features include the plain brown wings and the exceptionally long, slender hindwing tails, distinguishing it from similar long-tailed skippers that often have more prominent markings.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with uniformly dull brown wings and very long, slender tails extending from the hindwings.
