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| Northern Cloudywing |
Latin
Name: Thorybes pylades |
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Genus: Thorybes Species: pylades |
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Comments: |
| The Northern Cloudywing is one of several similar-looking and closely related dark brown skippers found in Florida. The butterfly has a low, skipping flight and quickly darts along trails or clearings occasionally stopping to nectar. It readily visits nearby gardens. Males perch on the ground or low on vegetation and quickly speed out to engage rival males or passing females. At rest, they hold their wings in a relaxed, partially open position. |
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Life
Cycle: |
Broods: |
multiple generations |
Egg: |
pale greenish white, laid singly on the leaves of host |
Larva: |
greenish brown with black head, thin, dark dorsal stripe and narrow pinkish brown lateral stripe; body covered with numerous short, light-colored hairs |
Host Plants: |
various legumes including beggarweeds, bush clovers, Butterfly Pea and milk vetch |
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Host
Plants: |
Host
Plants: |
various legumes including beggarweeds, bush clovers, Butterfly Pea and milk vetch |
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Habitat: |
Habitat: |
open woodlands, forest clearings, forest edges, roadsides, utility easements and old fields |
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Wingspan: |
Inches: |
1.2 - 1.7 |
Centimeters: |
3 - 4.3 |
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Appearance: |
Sexes: |
similar |
Compare: |
Southern Cloudywing has larger white dorsal forewing spots that form distinct band. |
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| Markings: |
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Above:
- brown with several small, elongated, misaligned glassy white spots on forewing and light, checkered wing fringe
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Below:
- brown; hindwing darker at base with two dark brown bands; forewing has lavender scaling toward apex
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Abundance: |
occasional to common |
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Map Legend: Resident (green) | Stray
(Red) |
