Celia's Roadside-Skipper (Amblyscirtes celia [Skinner])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/16 inches (2.2 - 2.7 cm).
Identification: Upperside is dark brown; forewing has a light spot at the end of the cell. Underside of hindwing is gray with 2 rows of distinct white spots.
Life history: Males perch to watch for receptive females. Caterpillars eat leaves and make shelters of rolled or tied leaves, and fourth-stage caterpillars hibernate. Pupation occurs within leaf nests in soil debris.
Flight: Several broods; from May-September in central Texas, throughout the year in South Texas.
Caterpillar hosts: Paspalum grass.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Woodland openings.
Range: Texas south to northeast Mexico. Strays to southwest Louisiana.
Conservation: Not usually required.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Opler, P. A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A field guide to eastern butterflies. Peterson field guide #4. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston. 396 pages, 48 color plates. Stanford, R. E. and P. A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of western USA butterflies including adjacent parts of Canada and Mexico. Denver and Fort Collins, CO. Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
State and Regional References:
Opler, Paul A. 1999. Peterson Field Guide to Western Butterflies, revised edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Stanford, R.E. and P.A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of Western USA Butterflies. Privately published, Denver, Colo.