Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Subtribe Hesperiina

-Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)

-Northern Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus ssp. phyleus

The Fiery Skipper, Hylephila phyleus is a common butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is widely established across the southern United States and Mexico, and lower elevations of South America. Adults are often seen flying near flowers where they mate and feed on nectar, while the larvae are nocturnal. Commonly found near urban residences, fiery skipper larvae feed on various grasses, frequently preferring Bermudagrass. Male fiery skippers are orange or yellow while the females are dark brown. Small brown spots may be observed on both the hindwing and forewing of both sexes although to a varying degree.

Diet

Caterpillars feed on grasses (Poaceae.
The caterpillars fold and tie grass blades together to form a horizontal shelter close to the ground.
Adults take nectar from a wide variety of flowers, including asters, thistles, milkweed and other nectar-rich plants.

Range

Hylephila phyleus has an exceptionally broad distribution, extending from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean to Argentina.
It is widespread in Mexico, including Guerrero, and occurs in the Zihua area.
In suitable warm regions it can be encountered throughout much of the year, particularly where irrigated grasses and flowering plants provide suitable resources.

Habitat

The Fiery Skipper is strongly associated with sunny, open habitats rather than dense forest.
Common habitats include lawns, grassy fields, pastures, gardens, roadsides, vacant lots, parks, agricultural areas and open woodland edges.
Its close association with turf grasses allows it to thrive in highly human-modified environments.

Description

The Fiery Skipper is a small skipper with a wingspan of approximately 32–38 mm.
Males are particularly striking, with bright orange to yellow-orange upper wings bordered by dark brown or black. A broad, conspicuous black scent brand crosses the forewing.
Females are considerably darker, with dark brown upper wings interrupted by an irregular orange band and patches.
The underside is yellowish to pale brown, with scattered small dark spots on the hindwing. The antennae are unusually short, another useful characteristic.
Males often perch with their wings partly open while watching for females, making the bright orange colour particularly conspicuous in sunny grassy areas.