Red-striped Skipper
Image: Fedaro (CC BY 4.0)
Common NameRed-striped Skipper
Scientific NamePhocides polybius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsblack, blue, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern North America (southern Texas, Florida), Central America, South America
Host PlantsMalpighia glabra, Byrsonima crassifolia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropics, multiple broods in warmer temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green with a dark head, feeding on leaves before pupating in a loose cocoon among foliage.
Identification TipsKey features include the iridescent blue/green sheen on the upperside of the dark wings and the prominent red stripe on the underside of the hindwing. Its rapid, darting flight is also characteristic of skippers.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark, velvety wings that display brilliant iridescent blue or green scaling on the dorsal surface, complemented by a distinctive red band on the underside of the hindwings.
