Diet

• Caterpillars feed primarily on grasses (Poaceae).

• The caterpillar lives among grass leaves and constructs a shelter by folding or joining portions of the blade.

• Adults feed on flower nectar and are often found close to grassy vegetation.

Range

• Lerema liris occurs from eastern and western Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica.

• It occurs in Guerrero and the Zihua area, where suitable grassy clearings, forest edges and tropical woodland provide appropriate habitat.

Habitat

• The Liris Skipper favours grassy areas within or adjacent to tropical woodland, including forest edges, clearings, roadsides, trails and secondary vegetation.

• It can occur in both relatively dry seasonal forest and wetter tropical environments.

• Its broad selection of grasses allows it to make use of disturbed habitats as well as more natural forest openings.

Description

• The Liris Skipper is a small to medium-sized grass skipper, with a wingspan of approximately 30–38 mm.

• The upper surface is dark brown, with the forewing bearing several small, pale translucent spots. Males have a darker stigma associated with their scent-producing structures.

• The underside is brown to grey-brown and somewhat mottled, providing effective camouflage among grasses and leaf litter.