Zilpa Longtail
Common NameZilpa Longtail
Scientific NameChioides zilpa
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouthern Texas (stray), Mexico, Central America, northern South America
Host PlantsLonchocarpus guatemalensis, Lonchocarpus sericeus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropics; late summer/fall in northern range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on leaves, often creating leaf shelters, and pupate in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of very long, slender hindwing tails, the distinct pattern of white, somewhat translucent spots on the forewings, and the large white patch on the underside of the hindwings.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark brown wings featuring prominent, somewhat translucent white rectangular spots on the forewings and a large, irregular white patch on the hindwing underside. It is characterized by very long, slender tails extending from the hindwings.
