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| Whirlabout |
Latin
Name: Polites vibex |
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Genus: Polites Species: vibex |
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Comments: |
| The Whirlabout is a diminutive skipper with two distinct rows of squarish spots on the hindwings below. This species is sexually dimorphic. Males are tawny orange and considerably brighter than their drab brown female counterparts. It regularly expands its range each summer, establishing temporary breeding colonies throughout the southeast from Maryland to Texas. Living up to its name, adults have a low, erratic flight and scurry quickly around, periodically stopping to perch or nectar. Avidly fond of flowers, the butterfly is a frequent garden visitor. |
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Life
Cycle: |
Broods: |
multiple generations |
Egg: |
white, laid singly on host leaves |
Larva: |
brownish green with thin, dark dorsal stripe and black head |
Host Plants: |
various grasses including Bermuda Grass, St. Augustine Grass and Crabgrass |
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Host
Plants: |
Host
Plants: |
various grasses including Bermuda Grass, St. Augustine Grass and Crabgrass |
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Habitat: |
Habitat: |
open, disturbed areas including old fields, roadsides, vacant lots, open woodlands, forest edges, parks, lawns and gardens |
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Wingspan: |
Inches: |
1 - 1.25 |
Centimeters: |
2.5 - 3.2 |
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Appearance: |
Sexes: |
dissimilar; female brown above with little orange scaling; olive brown below with similar pattern as male |
Compare: |
Fiery Skipper is similar in size and color but has scattered, tiny dark spots on ventral hindwing. |
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| Markings: |
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Above:
- elongated wings; golden orange with black borders and black stigma; female is dark brown with cream spots on forewing
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Below:
- hindwing yellow in male or bronze brown in female with two loose bands of large dark brown spots
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Abundance: |
common to abundant |
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Map Legend: Resident (green) | Stray
(Red) |
