Diet

• The larval food plants are poorly documented.

• Caterpillars are believed to feed on grasses or other monocotyledonous plants, as occurs in several related genera of grass skippers.

• Adults visit flowers for nectar and may also take moisture from damp ground.

Range

• Phanes aletes has a broad Neotropical distribution extending from Mexico through Central America and into South America as far south as Brazil.

• It occurs in Mexico, including western and southern regions, and Guerrero falls within its broad range.

• It occurs in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• It occurs in tropical and subtropical forest, woodland edges, clearings and secondary vegetation.

• Adults are generally associated with sunny openings and forest margins rather than deep forest.

• It can occur from low elevations into foothill habitats.

Description

• A medium-sized skipper with a wingspan of approximately 35–45 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly dark brown, with contrasting translucent yellowish or orange markings on the forewings.

• The hindwings are darker and relatively rounded, with subtle pale markings.

• The underside is mottled brown and tan, providing camouflage when the butterfly rests among foliage.

• Males have a small, distinctive scent brand on the forewing associated with the origin of vein 2, a useful structural character when distinguishing the species from related Phanes.