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Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

Fiery Skipper

Hylephila phyleus

The Fiery Skipper, Hylephila phyleus is a common butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is widely established across the southern United States and Mexico, and lower elevations of South America. Adults are often seen flying near flowers where they mate and feed on nectar, while the larvae are nocturnal. Commonly found near urban residences, fiery skipper larvae feed on various grasses, frequently preferring Bermudagrass. Male fiery skippers are orange or yellow while the females are dark brown. Small brown spots may be observed on both the hindwing and forewing of both sexes although to a varying degree.

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