Caicus Skipper (Cogia caicus [Herrich-Schäffer])
Wing span: 1 5/8 - 1 3/4 inches (4.2 - 4.5 cm).
Identification: Upperside is glossy dark brown; forewing has small clear spots. Underside of hindwing is dark brown; hindwing has 2 dark bands and white scales on the outer edge.
Life history: Fully-grown caterpillars hibernate.
Flight: Several broods from March-August.
Caterpillar hosts: Various acacias in the pea family (Fabaceae).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Roadsides, trails, forest openings and edges.
Range: Local and scarce from Guatemala north through Mexico to central Arizona and central New Mexico. Range may be expanding in the Southwest.
