Hesperidae skippers

Hesperidae skippers

skippers are mostly small and stout – bodied butterflies. They get their name from their erratic, darting and exceedingly rapid flight. There are 3500 known species of skippers distributed in all world regions and in India 300 species are represented. Structurally, they are primitive and approach the moths. Nearly all are dull in colour , mostly shades of brown with lighter markings ( White Yellow or orange). The skippers can be easily identified by the shape of the head which is wider than the thorax, with large and protruding eyes. Antennae are widely separated at the base and the tips are usually recurved or hooked ( Umbrella handle like ). Forewings are sharply angled. Most of them, at rest, hold the fore- and the hind wings at different angles, with the forewings held flat on each side of the body. Forelegs are functional in both sexes and the hind legs have 2 pairs of tibial spices as in many moths. Adults visit flowers and damp patches.

Larvae are stout, smooth and somewhat spindle shaped with large head and constricted neck. They are mostly green in colour with white shades. Many feed on grasses and palms. They spin leaes together and live in their shelter.

Pupae are long, smooth and tapering, often without angular projections and tail- hooks or girdle, and are enclosed in a cocoon of silk and grass.