Neamathla Skipper (Nastra neamathla [Skinner & R. C. Williams])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.2 - 2.9 cm).
Identification: Upperside is brown with no markings. Underside of forewing is black at the base and yellow-brown on the remainder of the wing; hindwing is yellow-brown with no pale scales on the veins.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: Three broods from February-October.
Caterpillar hosts: Probably grasses.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Marsh edges and other open, moist areas.
Range: Southeast Texas, peninsular Florida and the Keys, south to Costa Rica. Strays to southern Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
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 G. O. Krizek. 1984. Butterflies east of the Great Plains. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. 294 pages, 54 color plates. 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. 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. Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann