Orange Skipperling (Copaeodes aurantiacus [Hewitson])
Wing span: 3/4 - 1 1/8 inches (1.9 - 2.9 cm).
Identification: Both upper- and lowerside are orange. Upperside of male forewing has a narrow black stigma below the cell; female may have narrow black edging on the forewing.
Life history: Adults have a very rapid flight. To warm themselves, adults bask in the early morning, and males perch in gulches during the day to find receptive females.
Flight: Many broods from February-November in Texas; March-December in southern California; April-October in the north.
Caterpillar hosts: Various grasses (Poaceae) including Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and green spangletop (Leptochloa dubia).
Adult food: Nectar from a variety of flowers
Habitat: Grasslands, grassy streamsides, fields, washes.
Range: Southern California, southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and west Texas south through Central America to Panama. Strays to eastern Texas, central Arkansas, central Kansas, and Colorado.
