Glassy-winged Skipper (Xenophanes tryxus [Stoll])
Wing span: 1 1/8 - 1 5/16 inches (2.9 - 3.3 cm).
Identification: Forewing has an irregular outer margin; hindwing is slightly scalloped. Upperside is gray-black with irregular transparent patches.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: Three broods from February-December in South Texas; many flights in Mexico.
Caterpillar hosts: Malvaviscus and Malachra in the mallow family (Malvaceae).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subtropical open areas.
Range: Argentina north through tropical America to northern Mexico. A periodic resident in the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and a rare stray to southwest New Mexico.
Conservation: Not necessary for periodic stray.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may 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. 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.