Many-spotted Skipperling (Piruna cingo)
Wing span: Not reported.
Identification: Upperside is dark brown; forewing with small white marginal spots; hindwing with 2-3 white median spots. Underside is reddish brown; hindwing has marginal and submarginal white spots.
Life history: Adults rest with their wings closed, but bask with hindwings open wide and forewings open to about 45 degrees. Males patrol to find receptive females. Caterpillars live and feed within nests of webbed leaves. Fully-grown caterpillars hibernate.
Flight: One brood from August-September.
Caterpillar hosts: Not reported; probably grasses, sedges, or rushes.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Desert grasslands and open woodlands.
Range: Nogales, Arizona south through Mexico to Guatemala.
Conservation: United States populations should be located and their consevation needs assessed.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Bailowitz, R. A., and J. P. Brock. 1991. Butterflies of southeastern Arizona. Sonoran Arthropod Studies, Inc., Tucson, Arizona. 342 pages. 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.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann