Diet

• Caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants.

• Adults visit flowers for nectar and may also obtain nutrients from damp ground and other mineral-rich sources.

Range

• The Scylla Firetip ranges from Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica, with some taxonomic sources indicating a broader distribution extending into parts of northern South America.

• It occurs in Guerrero and is within its expected range around the Zihua area, particularly in warm forest and woodland habitats.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical and subtropical forest, dry woodland, forest edges, clearings, and secondary vegetation.

• The diversity of known larval host plants allows it to occupy habitats ranging from relatively undisturbed woodland to regenerating and disturbed areas.

• Around Zihua, sunny forest edges and dry tropical woodland with abundant shrubs and small trees are likely places to encounter it.

Description

• A medium-sized firetip skipper, with a wingspan of roughly 40–46 mm. Specimens from Costa Rica have been measured at about 46 mm.

• The wings are predominantly dark brown to black, with contrasting pale translucent markings on the forewings.

• Like other firetips, it has a conspicuous reddish-orange coloration on the head and abdomen, which can be especially noticeable when the butterfly is viewed from the side.

• The wings are relatively broad for a skipper, with rounded hindwings and a compact, powerful appearance.