Spike Banded-Skipper
Common NameSpike Banded-Skipper
Scientific NameAutochton cellus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatCanyons, open woodlands, riparian areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) south through Mexico and Central America
Host PlantsRobinia neomexicana, Robinia pseudoacacia, Amorpha fruticosa, Wisteria
Flight PeriodMay to October
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 and creating shelters by folding or tying leaves together. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the dark brown wings with a broad, clean white diagonal band on the forewing, and the white fringe along the hindwing. Like other skippers, it has a robust body and hooked antennae.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with robust, dark brown wings featuring a prominent, broad white diagonal band across the forewing and a distinct white fringe along the hindwing margin.
