Diet

• The larval food plants of Urbanus proteus are primarily legumes (Fabaceae).

• Caterpillars fold or roll sections of leaves together with silk to create shelters in which they rest between feeding periods.

• Adults visit a wide variety of flowering plants for nectar, including lantana and bougainvillea.

Range

• Urbanus proteus is a widespread species ranging from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean to South America as far south as Argentina.

• It occurs throughout Mexico, including the Pacific coastal region, and is present in Guerrero and the Zihua region. Records from Mexico include both western and eastern parts of the country.

• The species is particularly widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, where suitable leguminous host plants are available.

Habitat

• It inhabits brushy fields, open woodland, forest edges, coastal areas, gardens and other disturbed habitats where suitable legumes occur.

• In the Zihua region, suitable habitat includes tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, open woodland, agricultural areas and gardens.

• Adults are often encountered in sunny openings and along vegetation edges, where males may perch on foliage while waiting for females.

Description

• A medium-sized long-tailed skipper with a wingspan of approximately 45–60 mm.

• The wings are predominantly dark brown to blackish brown, while the bases of the wings, head and thorax have conspicuous iridescent blue-green scaling.

• The hindwings have long, narrow tails, and the underside has a characteristic dark band and spotting pattern.

• The caterpillar is yellowish green to greyish, with a dark dorsal line, contrasting yellow and orange markings and a reddish-black head.