West-Mexican Sootywing
Common NameWest-Mexican Sootywing
Scientific NameStaphylus azteca
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white
HabitatForest edges, clearings, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWestern Mexico
Host PlantsLikely Malvaceae (mallow family) or Fabaceae (pea family), specific species unknown
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in tropical parts of its range
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly; larvae feed on host plants, often creating leaf shelters; pupation occurs in a loose cocoon or leaf shelter.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, dark sooty-brown coloration with subtle mottling, and a few small, translucent white spots on the forewings. It exhibits the typical robust body and hooked antennae of a skipper.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with mottled wings and a few small, translucent white spots on the forewings, giving it a 'sooty' appearance.
