North American Butterflies and Moths List

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Butterflies of North America

Starred Skipper (Arteurotia tractipennis)
JPG -- species photo

Starred Skipper (Arteurotia tractipennis Butler & Druce)

Wing span: 1 1/8 - 1 3/8 inches (2.9 - 3.5 cm).

Identification: Upperside is gray-brown; forewing has a black subapical patch with 3 small white dots inside it. Underside is orange-brown; hindwing has irregular white median spots.

Life history: Caterpillars feed on leaves and rest in shelters of rolled or tied leaves.

Flight: September in South Texas; May-June in Mexico and Central America.

Caterpillar hosts: Croton in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).

Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Subtropical scrub and open weedy areas.

Range: Bolivia north through Central America to northern Mexico. Has strayed to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

Conservation: Not necessary for a rare stray.

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

Starred Skipper (Arteurotia tractipennis)
distribution map
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