Diet

• The caterpillars feed on grasses in the family Poaceae.

• Caterpillars live within shelters made by webbing together portions of grass leaves, where they feed while remaining concealed.

• Adults feed on flower nectar.

Range

• Monca crispinus occurs from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to Colombia.

• In Mexico, it occurs on both the Pacific and Gulf sides, with populations extending through tropical regions.

• It occurs in Guerrero and is found in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• The Violet-patched Skipper inhabits shady, grassy areas in tropical thornscrub, woodland edges and other semi-open habitats.

• It is particularly associated with grassy vegetation beneath or alongside shrubs and trees, where its Paspalum host grasses grow.

• Adults are most active during the cooler parts of the day, especially around dawn and dusk, and males perch while searching for females.

Description

• This is a very small skipper, with a wingspan of approximately 19–22 mm.

• The upper surface is dark brown and relatively plain.

• The underside of the forewing is reddish brown with a distinctive grey patch toward the apex and a small white spot along the leading edge.

• The underside of the hindwing has two conspicuous grey transverse bands, which are among the most useful identifying features.

• The wings are relatively narrow and rounded, with the hindwings lacking the long tails seen in some related grass skippers.

• The combination of its tiny size, reddish-brown underside and paired grey hindwing bands makes M. crispinus distinctive when viewed closely