Diet

• Caterpillars feed on woody plants in the families Combretaceae and Sapindaceae.

• The caterpillars shelter within folded leaves or leaves fastened together with silk.

• Adults feed on flower nectar and may also visit damp ground for moisture and minerals.

Range

• Phocides belus ranges from Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica.

• Its type localities are in Mexico, including areas in the north and east of the country.

• Guerrero is within its range, and it occurs in the Zihua area. It has also been found in the Laguna Potosí area of Guerrero.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical and subtropical forest, particularly tropical dry forest, woodland edges, clearings and secondary vegetation.

• It is also found along forest trails and in areas where its larval host trees occur.

• In Guerrero it is associated with warm lowland and foothill environments, including the tropical dry forests of the Pacific coast.

Description

• A medium-sized, robust skipper with a wingspan of approximately 50–60 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly dark brown to black, with a subtle bluish or powder-blue sheen across the wings.

• The forewings have small translucent spots, while the hindwings are broadly rounded and lack long tails.

• The underside is darker and more subdued, with brown and grey tones that provide camouflage when the butterfly rests among foliage.

• The body is stout, and the head and thorax can show a bluish sheen that becomes conspicuous in good light.