Pale-rayed Skipper (Vidius perigenes [Godman])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.2 - 2.9 cm).
Identification: Upperside is brown with no markings. Underside of hindwing is yellow-brown with a white streak running from the base to the tip.
Life history: Adults fly swiftly, most often in the afternoon. Adults rest with their wings closed, but bask with hindwings open wide and forewings open to about 45 degrees. Males perch to find receptive females. Caterpillars live in shelters of webbed leaves.
Flight: Perhaps two broods from March-December in South Texas; probably several broods from February-December in Mexico.
Caterpillar hosts: Grasses.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Grassy areas in subtropical thorn forests.
Range: Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas south through Mexico and Central America to Colombia.
