Turk's-cap White-Skipper
Common NameTurk's-cap White-Skipper
Scientific NameHeliopetes macaira
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsbrown, white, cream
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrublands, desert washes, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsMalvaviscus arboreus, Sphaeralcea, Abutilon, Malva
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Larvae are typically green with pale stripes and feed on the leaves before pupating in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic mottled brown and white pattern, especially the prominent white band on the underside of the hindwing. Its association with Turk's-cap mallow and other Malvaceae plants is a key indicator.
Description
A small to medium-sized skipper with a mottled pattern of brown and white or pale cream on its wings. The underside of the hindwing often shows a distinct white band.
