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.

• 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.

• 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.