Diet

• Caterpillars feed primarily on leguminous trees and shrubs (Fabaceae).

• Adults visit flowers for nectar and may also obtain nutrients from damp ground and other mineral-rich sources.

Range

• The Eight-spotted Longtail has an extensive distribution from Mexico through Central America and across much of tropical South America, reaching Argentina.

• It occurs in Guerrero and is within its expected range around the Zihua area.

• Its northern range occasionally extends into southern Texas, where it is considered an uncommon stray rather than a regularly established species.

Habitat

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

• Areas containing mature leguminous trees are particularly suitable because many of its known larval hosts are woody members of Fabaceae.

• Around Zihua, it would be most likely along sunny forest edges, dry tropical woodland, stream corridors, and openings containing leguminous trees.

Description

• A medium-sized longtail skipper with a wingspan generally around 35–46 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly dark brown, with a conspicuous group of pale, translucent spots on the forewing. The combination of markings gives the species its common name.

• The hindwings have elongated tails and a relatively rounded outer margin.

• The underside is generally brown with paler markings, providing useful camouflage among leaves and bark.

• It is superficially similar to other Ectomis longtails, so the precise arrangement and number of translucent forewing spots are important for identification.