Striped Policeman
Common NameStriped Policeman
Scientific NameCoeliades aeschylus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyCoeliadinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange
HabitatForest edges, woodlands, savannas, gardens
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsAcacia, Combretum, Grewia, Rhus
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green with a darker head, feeding on leaves before pupating into a chrysalis.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the broad white band on the hindwing, dark forewings, and the bright orange-yellow markings on the body and legs. Like other skippers, it has a robust body and hooked antennae.
Description
A robust skipper with dark brown to black wings, featuring a prominent, broad white band across the hindwing. The head, thorax, and legs display striking orange-yellow markings.
