Diet

• The caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses (Poaceae).

• The larvae are green or yellowish-green with darker longitudinal markings and a distinctive patterned head. They construct shelters among grass leaves while feeding.

• Eggs are white and are laid singly or in small groups on grass leaves.

Range

• Lerema ochrius is currently known from Mexico and the southern and western United States.

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

Habitat

• The Ocherous Skipper favours grassy areas, including woodland openings, forest edges, roadsides, trails and other places where grasses grow in sunny or partially shaded conditions.

• It can occupy both natural and disturbed habitats.

• In the Zihua region, grassy clearings within or beside tropical deciduous woodland provide suitable habitat.

Description

• Lerema ochrius is a small to medium-sized dark brown skipper.

• Males have dark brown upperwings with three subapical translucent-white spots and usually a smaller spot below them. A subtle black stigma occurs on the forewing.

• Females generally have more extensive pale spotting, including a spot in the forewing cell.