Diet

• Adults: Feed primarily on nectar from small flowers, particularly low-growing flowering plants. They may also obtain moisture and minerals from damp soil and other moist surfaces.

• Caterpillars: Feed on grasses (Poaceae). Like other Amblyscirtes, the larvae are associated with grass plants and may shelter within folded or partially rolled leaves.

• Adults are usually low-flying and may repeatedly return to small perches on leaves, rocks or bare ground.

Range

• Amblyscirtes tolteca is a North and Central American skipper, occurring from Mexico south into Central America, with populations also reaching the southwestern United States. The species is currently recognized as having two subspecies.

• The species was originally described from Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico, and Mexican populations extend through a substantial portion of the country.

• Around Zihua, Amblyscirtes tolteca would likely be considered occasional to locally uncommon, particularly in suitable grassland, open woodland and seasonal habitats.

Habitat

• The Toltec Roadside-Skipper occurs in open woodland, tropical dry forest, grassland, forest edges and other habitats supporting grasses.

• In Mexico, Amblyscirtes species can be strongly seasonal, with adults appearing during the rainy season when grasses are actively growing. Records from Guerrero document A. tolteca in tropical deciduous and other seasonal forest habitats.

• Around Zihua, suitable habitat includes tropical deciduous forest, grassy clearings, forest edges, roadsides, open hillsides and areas of secondary vegetation.

Size

• Amblyscirtes tolteca is a small to medium-sized grass skipper, with a wingspan generally around 25–32 mm.

• It has the characteristic compact, robust body and relatively short, broad wings of the grass skippers.

• The upper wings are predominantly dark brown, with subtle pale or yellowish markings that can be difficult to see when the butterfly is in flight.

• Its relatively subdued coloration and habit of staying close to the ground can make it surprisingly easy to overlook.