Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Subtribe Calpodina

-Calpodes Skipper (Calpodes fusta)

Calpodes fusta is a robust, fast-flying skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, occurring in Mexico and parts of Central America. Like other members of the genus Calpodes, it has a stocky body, relatively narrow wings, and hooked antennae, typical of skippers. Adults are typically found in forested habitats, edges, and clearings, where they fly quickly and often perch briefly on leaves. Like other skippers, they may visit flowers for nectar or feed on moisture from damp ground.

Diet

Adults feed on flower nectar, although they are not particularly conspicuous flower visitors.
The caterpillars are closely associated with plants in the Marantaceae.
The strong association with Marantaceae is useful when looking for the species because many Saliana can be difficult to distinguish visually.

Range

Calpodes fusta has a broad Neotropical distribution, extending from Mexico through Central America and into South America, including Brazil.
Around Zihua, it would be a plausible but probably uncommon to occasional skipper, particularly in humid forest and areas supporting Marantaceae. Its small size and habit of remaining among vegetation can make it easy to overlook.

Habitat

This species occurs in both rainforest and seasonally dry forest, as well as transitional areas.
It is particularly associated with shady understory vegetation, where its Marantaceae host plants grow.
Around Zihua, look for it in shaded arroyos, humid forest margins, riparian vegetation and lush patches within otherwise dry tropical forest, especially where Calathea, Maranta or related plants occur.

Size

Calpodes fusta is a small-to-medium skipper, with specimens around 35–42 mm in wingspan documented in museum collections.
It is predominantly brown, with relatively subdued markings. The combination of its coloration and habit of resting within shaded vegetation can make it considerably less noticeable than larger skippers.