Sharp Banded-Skipper
Common NameSharp Banded-Skipper
Scientific NameAntigonus emmsi
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Texas, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America
Host PlantsMalvaceae (mallows)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate zones
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves, often creating shelters by folding or tying leaves together. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsIdentified by its dark brown wings and the prominent, straight, and broad white band on the forewing. The antennae are typically hooked at the tip, characteristic of skippers.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with a robust body and a distinctive broad, sharp white band running diagonally across the forewing. The hindwings are uniformly dark brown.
