Hesperiidae : Hesperiinae
Panoquina lucas (Fabricius, 1793)
Purple-washed Skipper
Panoquina lucas (Fabricius, 1793)
Purple-washed Skipper
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 36-46mm. Sexes similar. When settled with wings closed the long thin appearance with a straight row of white dots on the usually purplish hindwing underside is diagnostic. With wings open the forewings show several translucent spots on the forewing and it is necessary to note the pattern to distinguish this from several other similar skippers though the distinctive long thin shape is shared only by Ocola Skipper Panoquina ocola (see that species for differences).
Range: Southern USA to Argentina and many of the Caribbean islands.
Status: Widespread and common in Cuba in roadsides gardens, fields and grassy places.
Nectar Plants: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Lantana, Tournefortia hirsutissima, Bidens pilosa, Melochia pyramidata, Ageratum conyzoides, Lippia alba. Acacia farnesiana, Cordia sp.
Larval Foodplants: Grasses, larvae have found on Panicum purpurascens, Saccharum officinarum, Oryza sativa, and other Gramineae.
Range: Southern USA to Argentina and many of the Caribbean islands.
Status: Widespread and common in Cuba in roadsides gardens, fields and grassy places.
Nectar Plants: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Lantana, Tournefortia hirsutissima, Bidens pilosa, Melochia pyramidata, Ageratum conyzoides, Lippia alba. Acacia farnesiana, Cordia sp.
Larval Foodplants: Grasses, larvae have found on Panicum purpurascens, Saccharum officinarum, Oryza sativa, and other Gramineae.
Larva
Pupa
Foodplants and Habitat
