Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Subtribe Eudamina

-Potrillo Skipper (Autochton potrillo)

Autochton potrillo, commonly known as the Potrillo Skipper, is a fast-flying butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The wings are generally dark brown to black, marked with small pale or translucent spots, though these markings can be subtle and variable. Compared to species like the Broad-banded Skipper, A. potrillo lacks a bold continuous band, instead showing a more broken or reduced spotting pattern. The underside is typically lighter brown with faint markings, providing camouflage when the butterfly rests. This species is found in Mexico and Central America, inhabiting tropical forests, clearings, and edges. Adults often perch on leaves or low vegetation, returning repeatedly to favored spots, and may visit flowers or feed on moisture from soil and organic matter.

Diet

Adults: Feed on flower nectar, with documented nectar sources including Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Melochia nodiflora, Priva lappulacea and Bidens pilosa.
Caterpillars: Feed on Priva lappulacea (Verbenaceae), a small herbaceous plant. The caterpillar constructs a leaf shelter on the host plant, where it remains concealed while feeding.

Range

Autochton potrillo is broadly distributed from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America, across the Caribbean, and into northern South America, including Venezuela.
Around Zihua, Autochton potrillo would likely be considered occasional to locally uncommon, particularly around disturbed woodland, forest edges and areas supporting Priva and other nectar plants.

Habitat

Found in woodland, forest edges, clearings, secondary vegetation and gardens, with a preference for relatively open areas within or adjacent to forest.
Around Zihua, dry-forest edges, arroyo vegetation, gardens, roadsides and overgrown clearings would be good places to look.

Size