Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Subtribe Falgina

-Northern-Faceted Skipper (Synapte pecta)

The Northern Faceted-Skipper (Synapte pecta), also called the Malicious Skipper, is a small butterfly primarily found in the subtropical and tropical regions of Mexico and Central America. As a member of the Hesperiidae family, it is characterized by a stout body, relatively short wings, and the rapid, erratic "skipping" flight pattern typical of its tribe, the Anthoptini.

Diet

The caterpillars feed on grasses (Poaceae).
Larvae shelter within folded or silked grass leaves.
Adults feed on flower nectar.

Range

Synapte pecta occurs from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America, reaching Costa Rica.
Its type locality is in Guerrero, Mexico, making it particularly relevant to the Zihua fauna.
It occurs in Guerrero and is found in the Zihua area.

Habitat

Found in warm, subtropical and tropical habitats with grasses, including forest edges, open woodland, clearings and disturbed vegetation.
It can occur in areas of relatively dense grass growth within otherwise wooded landscapes.
Adults are active fliers and may be encountered around flowering vegetation, particularly during the warmer part of the day.

Description

A small to medium-sized grass skipper with a wingspan of approximately 25–30 mm.
The upper surface is dark brown, with a diffuse yellowish or ochre band across the forewing.
The underside of the hindwing is lighter brown and finely marked with numerous minute dark striations.
The overall subdued brown coloration provides effective camouflage among grasses and dry vegetation.