Python Skipper (Atrytonopsis python [W. H. Edwards])
Wing span: 1 3/8 - 1 5/8 inches (3.5 - 4.2 cm).
Identification: Forewings are long and pointed; fringes checkered. Upperside is brown; forewing with yellowish translucent spots, hindwing with 1-4 tiny pale spots at the end of the cell. Underside of forewing is the same as the upperside; hindwing is mottled light and dark brown with small pale spots.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: One flight from April-July in southern Arizona, perhaps several flights elsewhere.
Caterpillar hosts: Grasses.
Adult food: Nectar from flowers including yellow composites, Verbena, and Astragalus.
Habitat: Middle elevations in the mountains, open woodland.
Range: Southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and west Texas.
Conservation: Populations and their habitats should be conserved wherever found.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range).
