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Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)

-Butterflies (Superfamily Papilionoidea)

-Skippers (Family Hesperiidae)

-Spread-wing Skippers (Subfamily Pyrginae)

-Tribe Achlyodini

-Subtribe Pythonidina

-Genus Atarnes

-Orange-spotted Skipper (Atarnes sallei)


The Orange-spotted Skipper (Atarnes sallei) is a small, fast-flying butterfly in the skipper family (Hesperiidae), recognizable by its dark brown wings marked with distinct orange to yellow-orange spots. Like other skippers, it has a stocky body, relatively small wings, and a rapid, darting flight style. This species is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where it inhabits open areas, forest edges, and gardens. Adults frequently visit flowers for nectar, while the caterpillars feed on grasses, reflecting the typical ecology of many skippers.

Diet

  • Adults: Feed on flower nectar and also take liquids containing salts and minerals. Adults commonly rest with their wings held open.

  • Caterpillars: Feed on plants in the custard-apple family (Annonaceae).

  • Larval behavior: The caterpillar constructs a shelter by folding or modifying part of the host leaf. It makes small holes around the shelter, apparently creating the appearance of a damaged leaf that may discourage parasitoids.

Range

  • Atarnes sallei occurs from Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

  • Around Zihua, Atarnes sallei would likely be considered occasional to locally uncommon. Its documented Mexican distribution is extensive, but it is not a particularly frequently encountered skipper in the Zihuatanejo area.

  • It is the only species in the genus Atarnes, making the genus monotypic.

Habitat

  • Associated with tropical forest, dry forest, forest edges and secondary woodland, including seasonally dry habitats.

  • Around Zihua, look for it along forest edges, trails, clearings and areas containing wild Annonaceae, particularly during the rainy season when vegetation is actively growing.

Size

  • Approximately 31–35 mm wingspan.

Orange-spotter Skipper

Atarnes sallei

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