Diet

• Caterpillars feed primarily on grasses (Poaceae) and some sedges (Cyperaceae).

• Bamboo and sugarcane can also serve as larval hosts.

• The caterpillars construct shelters from grass leaves and feed within them.

Range

• Perichares adela is widely distributed from Mexico through Central America and across much of tropical South America to Brazil.

• It occurs in Guerrero and is found in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• It occurs in fields, forest edges, clearings, grasslands, and other open or semi-open habitats containing suitable grasses.

• It can occupy both seasonally dry and humid tropical environments.

• Adults are often most active around dawn and dusk and may visit flowering trees as well as other nectar sources.

• In the Zihua area, grassy clearings and tropical forest margins provide suitable habitat.

Description

• A relatively large, robust grass skipper, with a wingspan generally around 40–50 mm.

• The upper wings are dark brown with several prominent yellow to orange-yellow translucent spots on the forewing.

• The underside of the hindwing is strongly mottled in brown and tan, providing camouflage when the butterfly rests with its wings closed.

• The thorax can show an attractive greenish iridescence, particularly under favourable lighting.

• The eyes are reddish, although the colour can be difficult to see except when light strikes them at the appropriate angle.