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Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)

-Butterflies (Superfamily Papilionoidea)

-Skippers (Family Hesperiidae)

-Spread-wing Skippers (Subfamily Pyrginae)

-Checkered-Skippers, White-Skippers, and Allies (Tribe Pyrgini)

-Genus Antigonus

-Death-mask Spurwing (Antigonus nearchus)


Antigonus nearchus, known as the Deathmask Spurwing, is a striking skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is closely related to the Common Spurwing but is especially notable for the distinctive pattern on the underside of its wings, which can resemble a mask-like or skull-like marking, giving rise to its evocative common name. This species occurs in Mexico and Central America, typically inhabiting forests, forest edges, and shaded clearings. Adults are fast and powerful fliers, often seen darting along vegetation or perching briefly. They may feed on nectar as well as moisture from soil or decaying organic matter.

Death-mask Spurwing - Male

Antigonus nearchus

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