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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)

-Grass Skippers (Subfamily Hesperiinae)

-Tribe Hesperiini

-Subtribe Calpodina

-Genus Panoquina

-​​Evans's Skipper (Panoquina evansi)


Panoquina evansi, commonly known as Evans’s Skipper, is a small grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae, within the subfamily Hesperiinae. It is a typical member of the grass skippers, with a compact body, narrow wings, and rapid, low flight. The underside is generally light tan to brown with minimal markings, providing camouflage when the butterfly rests among grasses. This species is found in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, inhabiting grassy habitats such as fields, roadsides, coastal areas, and open lowlands. Adults are often seen flying low over grass or perching on blades, making quick, darting movements.

Diet

  • Caterpillars feed on palms (Arecaceae).

  • Adults feed on flower nectar.

Range

  • Panoquina evansi occurs from central Mexico southward through Central America and into northern and central South America, with an additional population in Jamaica.

  • Guerrero falls within its Mexican range, and it occurs in the Zihua area.

Habitat

  • It is associated with subtropical and tropical woodland, thorn forest, forest edges and open areas containing palms.

  • In western Mexico it can occur in warm, seasonally dry lowland habitats.

  • Adults may be encountered along trails, forest margins and sunny openings, particularly where suitable palms occur.

Description

  • A medium-sized, dark brown skipper with a wingspan of approximately 42–45 mm.

  • The forewing has several large, translucent amber to yellowish spots that contrast strongly with the dark brown background.

  • The underside of the hindwing has a distinctive bluish-violet sheen and an irregular whitish band. This band is generally more conspicuous in males and can be obscure in females.

  • The wings are relatively broad and rounded, giving the butterfly a robust appearance compared with some other Panoquina.

Evans's Skipper

Panoquina evansi

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