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| Mangrove Skipper |
Latin
Name: Phocides pigmalion |
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Genus: Phocides Species: pigmalion |
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Comments: |
| Impressive in size and color, the Mangrove Skipper is arguably one of the most attractive skippers in Florida. Adults have a fast, powerful flight but regularly stop to nectar at available flowers. When feeding, they sit with their wings spread and are easily observed. They frequently perch on the underside of leaves. The brightly colored larvae construct individual shelters on the host by folding over sections of a leaf with silk. Adults can be found throughout the year. |
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Life
Cycle: |
Broods: |
multiple generations |
Egg: |
laid singly on host leaves |
Larva: |
crimson with yellow bands and two yellow patches on head capsule; larval color changes to cream-white in last instar |
Host Plants: |
Red Mangrove |
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Host
Plants: |
Host
Plants: |
Red Mangrove |
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Habitat: |
Habitat: |
coastal mangroves |
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Wingspan: |
Inches: |
2 - 2.5 |
Centimeters: |
5.1 - 6.4 |
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Appearance: |
Sexes: |
similar |
Compare: |
unique |
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| Markings: |
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Above:
- brownish black with iridescent blue scaling; hindwing tapers into a small, stubby tail and has a submarginal row of faint light blue spots
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Below:
- forewing dull brownish black; hindwing black with blue sheen and several faint pale blue bands; head has white face
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Abundance: |
ccasional to common |
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Map Legend: Resident (green) | Stray
(Red) |
