Diet

• The larval food plants of Xenophanes ruatanensis are members of the mallow family (Malvaceae).

• Adults visit flowers for nectar and may also obtain nutrients from damp ground and other moist surfaces.

Range

• Xenophanes ruatanensis is a tropical and subtropical species ranging from southern Texas and Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica.

• Guerrero is within its range, and it occurs in the Zihua region. The Guerrero connection is particularly well supported by genomic examination of material from the state.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical dry forest, humid forest, woodland edges, roadside vegetation, clearings and secondary growth.

• In Costa Rica, larvae have been found in both dry and wet forest environments, particularly in open areas such as roadsides and brushy clearings.

• In the Zihua region, suitable habitat includes tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, open woodland and disturbed vegetation where Malvaceae host plants occur.

• Adults are often encountered in open areas and along forest edges, where they perch on vegetation with the wings spread.

Description

• A small to medium-sized skipper with a wingspan of approximately 30–33 mm.

• The wings are predominantly brown, with large translucent or glass-like patches occupying much of the median areas of both the forewings and hindwings.

• The forewing apex and hindwing tornus are pointed, while a series of translucent spots occurs near the forewing apex.

• The distinctive translucent wing markings give the species its common name, Glassy-winged Skipper.