North American Butterflies and Moths List

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Butterflies of North America

Variegated Skipper (Gorgythion begga)
JPG -- species photo

Variegated Skipper (Gorgythion begga [Kirby])

Wing span: 15/16 - 1 1/16 inches (2.4 - 2.7 cm).

Identification: Upperside is dark brown with a variegated pattern and a slight iridescent violet sheen; forewing has 2 tiny transparent spots near the apex.

Life history: Not reported.

Flight: March and December in South Texas.

Caterpillar hosts: Not reported.

Adult food: Not reported.

Habitat: Dry creek beds and small clearings in tropical forests.

Range: Argentina north through Central America to Mexico. A very rare stray north into South Texas.

Conservation: Not necessary for a rare 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

Variegated Skipper (Gorgythion begga)
distribution map
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