Wax Dart
Common NameWax Dart
Scientific NamePotanthus pallida
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, orange, black
HabitatOpen areas, grasslands, forest clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia)
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on grasses, often constructing shelters from leaves. Pupation occurs within a silken cocoon or leaf shelter.
Identification TipsLook for its bright yellow-orange coloration, stout body, and the characteristic hooked antennae of skippers. The small black discal spot on the forewing and the dark hindwing margin are also key features.
Description
A small, stout-bodied skipper with predominantly bright yellow-orange wings, featuring a thin black border on the hindwings and a small black spot on the forewing.
