White-banded Skipper
Common NameWhite-banded Skipper
Scientific NameMilanion leucaspis
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico south to Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia)
Host Plantsvarious broadleaf plants, legumes (Fabaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, peaking during wet seasons
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis, with larvae (caterpillars) feeding on host plants before pupating into a chrysalis and emerging as an adult.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinctive large white patch on the hindwing and the scattered white spots on the dark forewing. Its robust body and hooked antennae are typical skipper characteristics.
Description
This is a medium-sized skipper with dark blackish-brown wings. It is characterized by a large, prominent white patch on the hindwings and several smaller, irregular white spots on the forewings.
