Skipper butterfly comprises of the members of the Hesperiidae family, having more than 3500 recognized species divided into about eight families.
Types of Skipper Butterfly
| Dakota Skipper | Grizzled Skipper | Silver-spotted Skipper |
| Long-tailed Skipper | Fiery Skipper |
The size and color pattern of the caterpillar differ from one member to the other. The larva of the Brazilian skipper has an orange head with spots of black with a greenish-grey body. The caterpillar of the Least Skipper possesses a brown head with a green body. On the other hand, caterpillar belonging to the Silver-spotted Skipper has a large head and a well-defined neck collar.
Most of them have a slender appearance, being green, black or white.
Sexual Dimorphism: Present (in some species)
Color and Appearance: Most species of the family have well-rounded wings, sharply tipped on the upper part. When opened, the wings of different species of this family could be gray, black-and-white, and also brown. Patches of blue, red and yellow may be spotted especially on those with a brown body. When closed, they are brown or orange mostly, while some like the Chequered have golden or cream spots. Certain males often have black scaly patches or streaks on the fore wings.
Average Wingspan: 2cm to 5cm
Flight pattern: Quick and erratic
They lay globe-shaped, pale green eggs on the upper part of the host plant’s leaves.
Quick Facts | |
| Distribution | Central and South America, parts of Europe, Australia and Africa |
| Habitat | Sunny areas, garden, brushy areas, swamps, open parks, meadows, and fields |
| Predators | |
| Lifespan of adults | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Host plants | Grasses, legumes, Black locust, and Native Columbine |
| Adult diet | Nectar of plants and mud at times to gain vitamins |
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