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Blue-studded Skipper (Sostrata nordica [Evans])
Wing span: 15/16 - 1 3/16 inches (2.4 - 3 cm).
Identification: Upperside is dark brown with a complex, variegated pattern and a scattering of iridescent blue scales. Forewing has 4 small spots near the apex.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: October in South Texas; April-October in Mexico and Central America.
Caterpillar hosts: Not reported.
Adult food: Probably flower nectar.
Habitat: Open subtropical scrub.
Range: Argentina north through tropical America to Mexico. A rare stray to the lower Rio Grande Valley, 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
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 1999 -
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