Urbanus dorantes, Dorantes Longtail

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Freshly emerged adult

Description: 20-23 mm - one of two long tailed skippers in Florida. U. proteus has distinctly darker bands on ventral side and green coloration on dorsal side. U. dorantes is brown on top with cream colored dots on forewing. 

 

Habitat and Distribution: Widespread throughout the Keys and can be found in most months. They are more common in the fall months. They inhabit weedy fields and woods where host plant grows

 

Host Plant: beggers tick (Desmodium incanum) and (Desmodium tortuosum)

 

Natural History: Adults can be quite common at times and frequently visit flowers in disturbed sites. They have a rapid flight but frequently rest making themselves somewhat approachable

 

Freshly emerged adult

Worn adult

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Species Pages

Egg

Final Instar Larva

Final instar larva alond side of larva of cousin, Urbanis proteus (green)

Chrysalis