Spicauda procne
(Plötz, 1880)
Brown Longtail
Spicauda procne, commonly known as the brown longtail, is a hesperiid distributed from Argentina through Central America and Mexico to the southern United States. The has a wingspan of 37–48 mm and produces three annually in southern Texas. Larvae feed on grasses including Bermuda grass and Johnson grass.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Spicauda procne: /spaɪˈkɔdə ˈprɒkni/
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Identification
A medium-sized skipper with wingspan 37–48 mm; distinguished from similar longtail skippers by its brown coloration and geographic range overlapping with congeneric in the southern United States. The long hindwing tails characteristic of the are present. Specific diagnostic features separating it from closely related Spicauda species require examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis.
Distribution
Argentina north through Central America and Mexico to southern Texas; rare strays recorded in southern New Mexico, southern Arizona, and southern California.
Seasonality
Three per year in southern Texas; activity pattern elsewhere in range not documented in available sources.
Diet
Larvae feed on various grasses including Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) and Sorghum halepense (Johnson grass). feeding habits not specified in available sources.
Host Associations
- Cynodon dactylon - larval Bermuda grass
- Sorghum halepense - larval Johnson grass
Life Cycle
Three per year reported in southern Texas; complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Detailed description not available in sources.
Human Relevance
Larvae feed on economically significant grasses including Bermuda grass and Johnson grass, potentially impacting turf and forage management.
Similar Taxa
- Urbanus proteusFormerly classified in same ; similar and use, distinguished by wing pattern details and geographic distribution overlap in some regions
- Other Spicauda speciesCongeneric skippers share long hindwing tails and general body plan; require careful examination of genitalia or wing venation for definitive identification