Diet

• Caterpillars feed on grasses (Poaceae).

• The larvae fold or roll grass leaves into shelters in which they rest and feed, often remaining concealed during the day.

• Adults feed on nectar from a wide variety of flowers, including croton, lippia, alfalfa and various composite flowers.

Range

• Lerodea eufala has an exceptionally broad distribution, extending from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America, across the Caribbean and into much of South America, reaching Argentina and Chile.

• It is widespread in Mexico, including Guerrero, and occurs in the Zihua area wherever suitable grassy habitat is present.

• Its ability to use common grasses allows it to occupy a wide variety of landscapes, including agricultural and heavily disturbed areas.

Habitat

• The Eufala Skipper favours open, sunny habitats, particularly grasslands, pastures, agricultural areas, roadsides, vacant lots and lawns.

• It can also occur along forest margins, in marshy areas and in open woodland where grasses are abundant.

• Its association with both native and cultivated grasses makes it particularly adaptable to human-modified environments.

Description

• The Eufala Skipper is a small skipper with a wingspan of approximately 25–32 mm.

• The upper surface is muted grey-brown, with three to five small, translucent whitish spots near the forewing apex.

• The male lacks the prominent dark stigma found in many related grass skippers, which is a useful identification feature.

• The underside is generally brown to grey-brown, with heavy grey scaling on the hindwings and usually very few distinct markings.

• Its subdued coloration and habit of remaining low among grasses make it easy to overlook. It can be confused with other small brown grass skippers, but the combination of the pale forewing spots, lack of a male stigma and plain greyish hindwing underside is characteristic.