Yellow Palm Dart
Common NameYellow Palm Dart
Scientific NameCephrenes trichopepla
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)37.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, yellow-brown, black
HabitatGardens, parks, coastal areas, rainforest edges, and other areas with palm trees
Geographic RangeAustralia (Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory), Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, introduced to Hawaii and other Pacific islands
Host PlantsCocos nucifera (Coconut Palm), Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (Bangalow Palm), Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palm), Washingtonia robusta (Mexican Fan Palm)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to autumn in cooler parts of its range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host palms. Larvae are typically green with a darker head, constructing shelters by rolling or tying leaves. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon within a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall orange-brown coloration, the specific pattern of black spots on the forewings, and its characteristic rapid, darting flight. The antennae have a hooked club, typical of skippers.
Description
A small to medium-sized skipper with an orange-brown body and wings. The forewings feature several distinct black spots, while the hindwings are mostly unmarked.
