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Tropical Checkered-Skipper
Pyrgus oileus
Copyright by: Mary Keim
Description:
Small butterfly measuring up to 1 1/2" in length. The upperside is dark brown in color with pale markings. The male has a mat of long blue-gray hairs. The underside is pale, often with a strong brown overlay. Caterpillars are yellowish-green with a black head, a thin green stripe that runs dorsally, light stripes along the side, and light hairs covering the body.
Range:
North America, West Indies, Central America, South America
Distribution and Abundance in Florida:
Particularly abundant in late summer and early fall.
Habitat(s):
Weedy disturbed sites, Open, sunny areas including wooded trails and roadsides.
Reproduction:
Light green eggs are laid on the uppersides of host plant leaves.
Natural History:
Caterpillars shelter in leaves tied together with silk.
Food:
Caterpillars feed on leaves of host plants. Larval host plants include the native false mallow (Malvastrum corchorifolium), common wireweed (Sida acuta), Cuban jute (Sida rhombifolia) and woodland poppymallow (Callirhoe papaver). Nectar host plants include the native common wireweed, snow squarestem (Melanthera nivea), yellowroot (Morinda royoc), and weedy native Spanish-needles (Bidens alba var. radiata).
