Widespread Bent-Skipper
Common NameWidespread Bent-Skipper
Scientific NamePlesioneura alysos
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyTagiadinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, iridescent blue
HabitatTropical and subtropical evergreen forests, forest edges, often near streams
Geographic RangeNortheast India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Philippines
Host PlantsDonax canniformis, Phrynium capitatum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae construct shelters by folding leaves, and pupation occurs within a silken cocoon inside a folded leaf.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall dark appearance with subtle iridescent markings, the characteristic skipper body shape, and hooked antennae. The specific pattern of the pale spots on the forewing is key for species identification.
Description
A medium-sized, dark brown to black skipper with a mottled pattern of lighter, often iridescent blue or purple patches on its wings, particularly the forewings.
