Mercurial Skipper (Proteides mercurius [Fabricius])
Wing span: 2 1/4 - 2 3/4 inches (5.8 - 7 cm).
Identification: Head and thorax are bright orange above; forewings are elongate. Upperside of wings is brown with golden orange at the bases. Underside is chestnut brown with white frosting on outer edges; center of hindwing has an indistinct white mark.
Life history: Adults bask with their wings spread open. Males perch to find females. Caterpillars rest in leaf shelters and come out at night to eat leaves.
Flight: April-May in southern Florida, April-October in South Texas, all year in Mexico.
Caterpillar hosts: Tree and vine legumes including senna (Cassia), cow pea (Vigna), and Muellera.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Near streams in lowland tropical forests, particularly in edges and openings.
Range: Argentina north through Central America to Mexico and the West Indies. Strays to Florida and Texas.
