Southern Guava Skipper
Common NameSouthern Guava Skipper
Scientific NamePhocides polybius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark blue, black, red, white, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern North America (southern Texas, Florida), Central America, South America
Host PlantsPsidium guajava, Eugenia, Myrcianthes
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods
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.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of the bright red-orange head, the two red spots on the forewings, and the white and orange/yellow fringe along the hindwing margin. Its rapid, erratic flight is also characteristic of skippers.
Description
A robust skipper with iridescent dark blue-black wings, a striking red-orange head, and two prominent red spots on each forewing. The hindwings feature a distinctive white and orange/yellow fringe.
