Small Branded Swift
Common NameSmall Branded Swift
Scientific NamePelopidas mathias
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)37.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatOpen grassy areas, gardens, agricultural fields, forest edges
Geographic RangeAfrica, Asia, Middle East, parts of Europe
Host Plantsrice, maize, sugarcane, various grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods in warmer months elsewhere
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are typically green and feed on grass leaves, pupating in a silken cocoon among foliage.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown wings with a specific arrangement of small, translucent white spots on the forewings. The antennae have a characteristic hooked club, and its flight is rapid and darting.
Description
A small to medium-sized skipper with a robust, hairy body and dark brown wings. The forewings feature a distinctive pattern of small, translucent white spots.
