Hesperiidae : Hesperiinae
Nyctelius nyctelius (Latreille, [1824])
Violet-banded Skipper
Nyctelius nyctelius (Latreille, [1824])
Violet-banded Skipper
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 40-44mm. Sexes similar. The overall colour is dark brown and on the forewing seven translucent white spots visible also from the underside. The hindwing underside shows a banded appearance with a violet tinge. The underside is distinctive but with just views of the upperside alone there are several other similar species that need to be ruled out notably Purple-washed Skipper Panoquina lucas, Corrupt Skipper Panoquina corrupta, and Canna Skipper Calpodes ethlius.
Range: North, Central and South America and most Caribbean islands.
Status: Widespread and said to be common throughout Cuba in field and wood edges and along roadsides, though in the winter months we have found it very scarce to date.
Nectar Plants: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Lantana, Tournefortia hirsutissima, Callicarpa, Ageratum conyzoides, Cordia gerascanthus, Antigonon leptosus.
Larval Foodplants: Sugar Cane, Rice and other Gramineae such as Panicum maximum.
Range: North, Central and South America and most Caribbean islands.
Status: Widespread and said to be common throughout Cuba in field and wood edges and along roadsides, though in the winter months we have found it very scarce to date.
Nectar Plants: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Lantana, Tournefortia hirsutissima, Callicarpa, Ageratum conyzoides, Cordia gerascanthus, Antigonon leptosus.
Larval Foodplants: Sugar Cane, Rice and other Gramineae such as Panicum maximum.
Larva
Pupa
Foodplants and Habitat
