Yellow-tipped Flasher
Common NameYellow-tipped Flasher
Scientific NameCephise cephise
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouthern Texas (USA), Mexico, Central America, and northern South America
Host PlantsMalpighia glabra, Byrsonima crassifolia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; April to November in Texas
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head and create leaf shelters, pupating within these shelters.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent bright yellow or orange patch on the hindwing, which contrasts with the otherwise dark brown wings. It has a typical robust skipper body and fast flight.
Description
This medium-sized skipper has dark brown wings with faint darker bands on the forewings. Its most distinctive feature is a bright yellow to orange patch on the hindwing near the anal angle.
