Diet

• Adults feed on nectar from a variety of small flowers and are often found visiting flowering vegetation along forest edges and in open woodland.

• The caterpillars feed primarily on legumes (Fabaceae), with Senna being especially important.

• The caterpillar constructs a shelter by tying leaves together, providing protection while it feeds and rests.

Range

• The Mottled Longtail has a very broad distribution extending from Mexico through Central America and into much of South America, reaching Argentina. It can occasionally occur as far north as southern Texas.

• It is an occasional butterfly in the Zihua area, particularly where dry forest, secondary vegetation, and leguminous shrubs occur.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical deciduous forest, dry woodland, forest edges, scrub, clearings, and disturbed vegetation.

• Areas supporting Senna and other legumes are particularly suitable.

• Adults tend to remain fairly close to vegetation and can be surprisingly inconspicuous despite their relatively large size.

Description

• A medium-sized spread-wing skipper with a wingspan of approximately 37–48 mm.

• The wings are predominantly brown to dark brown, with a somewhat mottled appearance created by subtle lighter brown, grayish, and translucent markings.

• The forewing has several pale translucent spots, while the hindwing is characterized by muted pale bands and mottled markings rather than bright colors.

• The underside is particularly useful for identification, showing a complex mixture of brown, gray, tan, and pale markings that gives the butterfly its "mottled" appearance.

• Like other spread-wing skippers, it commonly rests with its wings held flat, allowing its cryptic coloration to blend with bark, dead leaves, and shaded vegetation.