Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Widespread Bent-Skipper (Cycloglypha thrasibulus)

Cycloglypha thrasibulus, commonly known as the Widespread Bent-Skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It belongs to a group of skippers notable for their distinctive wing posture, often held in a slightly bent or angled position, which gives the species its common name. This species is widely distributed in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, inhabiting tropical forests, edges, and open areas. Adults are often seen flying low and rapidly or perching briefly on leaves, frequently returning to favored spots.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar from small flowers and other plant sources in forest and woodland habitats.
Adults may also obtain moisture and minerals from damp soil and other moist surfaces.

Range

The Widespread Bent-Skipper has an extensive Neotropical range from Mexico through Central America and into northern and central South America, extending as far south as Brazil and Paraguay.
It is an occasional butterfly in the Zihua area, particularly in forested and semi-open tropical habitats.

Habitat

It is associated with tropical forest, woodland, forest edges, clearings, and secondary vegetation.
It can occur in both relatively undisturbed forest and areas of regenerating vegetation.
Adults generally remain close to vegetation and can be inconspicuous when resting among leaves.

Description

A medium-sized spread-wing skipper with a wingspan of approximately 32–36 mm.
The upper surface is predominantly dark brown, with contrasting pale cream to bluish-white bands and spots.
The wings have a somewhat violet or violaceous sheen, particularly in fresh individuals and under favorable lighting, which accounts for the alternate common name Violaceous Bent-Skipper.
The forewing has a series of pale translucent markings, while the hindwing carries a broad, irregular pale band.
The underside is more muted, with brown and grayish tones that provide camouflage among dry leaves and shaded vegetation.