Tropical Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha arene [W. H. Edwards])
Wing span: 3/4 - 1 1/16 inches (1.9 - 2.7 cm).
Identification: Wings are orange. Upperside has a narrow black border on both wings. Underside of hindwing is golden orange with a pale ray running from the base through the cell to the outer margin.
Life history: To find receptive females, males patrol with a weak flight over grasses in valley bottoms.
Flight: April-October in South Texas, March-December in Mexico and Central America.
Caterpillar hosts: Water bentgrass (Polypogon simiverticillata).
Adult food: Flower nectar from low growing plants.
Habitat: Damp grassy areas near streams, ponds, marshes, and ditches.
Range: Southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and west-central Texas south through tropical America to Costa Rica. Strays to northeastern New Mexico and South Texas.
