Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Subtribe Eudamina

-Goldspotted Aguna (Aguna asander)

Aguna asander, commonly known as the Gold-spotted Aguna, is a fast-flying skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. it has a robust body, relatively small wings, and rapid, darting flight, often making it difficult to follow as it moves through forest edges and clearings. Aguna asander is found in Mexico and Central America, typically inhabiting tropical and subtropical forests, secondary growth, and edges. Adults visit flowers for nectar but may also feed on moisture from soil or organic matter. The caterpillars feed on plants in the legume family (Fabaceae) and often construct leaf shelters by folding or tying leaves together with silk.

Diet

Adults: Feed primarily on flower nectar, visiting a variety of flowering plants. They may also obtain minerals and moisture from damp soil and other moist surfaces.
Caterpillars: Feed on plants in the Fabaceae (legume family). Several woody legumes serve as larval host plants.
Adults are fast, active fliers that frequently move between flowers, foliage and sunny perches while foraging.

Range

Aguna asander is a Neotropical skipper found from Mexico through Central America and throughout much of South America.
It is widespread in tropical regions and occurs in a variety of lowland and subtropical environments.
Around Zihua, Aguna asander would likely be considered occasional to locally common, particularly where flowering plants and suitable leguminous vegetation are abundant.

Habitat

The Goldspotted Aguna occurs in tropical dry forest, tropical woodland, scrub, forest edges, clearings and disturbed vegetation.
Adults are often encountered along sunny forest margins, trails, roadsides and clearings, where they rapidly patrol vegetation and visit flowers.
Around Zihua, suitable habitat includes tropical deciduous forest, thorn scrub, forest edges, gardens, roadside vegetation and secondary growth.

Size

Aguna asander is a medium-sized skipper, with a wingspan generally around 35–45 mm.
The wings are predominantly dark brown to blackish, with conspicuous golden-yellow or orange-yellow spots and markings.
Several golden spots on the forewings and hindwings give the species its common name, Goldspotted Aguna.
Like other spread-wing skippers, it has a robust body and relatively broad wings and is capable of extremely rapid, agile flight.