Radiant Skipper
Common NameRadiant Skipper
Scientific NameCymaenes radiosa
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white, orange
HabitatOpen areas, forest edges, clearings, tropical and subtropical lowlands
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, South America
Host Plantsgrasses, Paspalum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis from egg to larva (caterpillar) which feeds on grasses, then pupates into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of white stripes on dark brown wings, especially the forewing, combined with the orange-brown hindwing margin. The robust body and hooked antennae are typical skipper features.
Description
A small, robust skipper with dark brown wings marked by prominent white or pale stripes on both forewings and hindwings, and a distinct orange-brown band along the hindwing margin.
