Diet

• The caterpillars feed on woody plants, with documented host plants including Guarea, Paullinia, Serjania and Bignonia.

• Adults visit flowers for nectar and may also take other plant-derived nutrients.

Range

• Nascus phocus has a broad Neotropical distribution extending from eastern and western Mexico through Central America to southern Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

• It occurs in Guerrero and is found in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• The Common Scarlet-eye inhabits tropical and subtropical forest, woodland edges, clearings and secondary vegetation.

• It is particularly associated with areas containing woody larval host plants and a mixture of shade and open vegetation.

• Adults can be encountered along forest trails and edges, often resting on foliage or flying rapidly through openings.

Description

• Nascus phocus is a medium-sized, robust skipper with a forewing length of approximately 27–31 mm, giving it a wingspan of roughly 55–62 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly dark brown, with a compact series of yellowish to translucent spots across the middle of the forewing.

• The hindwing is generally olive-brown to olive-tan, with darker bands and a contrasting brown outer margin.

• The underside is paler and more strongly patterned, with yellowish or cream markings on the hindwing.

• There is considerable variation in the intensity of the olive and tan colouring, with individuals from different seasons and geographic regions sometimes appearing noticeably different.