Telegonus anaphus

Distinguished from similar flashers by the combination of yellow-tipped forewings and relatively dull, unmarked ground coloration. In southern Texas, confusion possible with other Astraptes/Telegonus species, but anaphus lacks the more extensive iridescent or contrasting markings of related species. The yellow apical patch is a consistent diagnostic feature.

Occupies tropical and subtropical environments from lowland to mid-elevation areas. Associated with habitats supporting Fabaceae vines, the larval food source. Occurs in both dry forest and wet forest conditions in Costa Rica.

Native range extends from Argentina north through Central America to Mexico and the West Indies. Northern limit of regular occurrence in Mexico; strays documented to southern Texas (lower Rio Grande Valley). Subspecies distributed across specific island and mainland regions.

In southern Texas: April–May and September–November. In Mexico: multiple flights beginning March. In Costa Rica: active during both dry and wet seasons, indicating year-round or multi-brooded population dynamics in tropical portions of range.

Larvae feed on vines in the family Fabaceae. Adult feeding habits not specified in available sources.

• Fabaceae - larval food plantvines

Multiple flights per year in tropical portions of range; at least two flight periods in subtropical Texas. Complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages; specific duration of stages not documented.

Rapid, darting flight typical of skippers. Adults active during daylight hours.

Adults likely function as pollinators; larvae serve as herbivores on Fabaceae vines, potentially contributing to vine population regulation in forest understories.

Subject of interest for butterfly enthusiasts in southern Texas due to its status as a stray from tropical regions. Not known to be of agricultural significance.

• Other Telegonus/Astraptes speciesShare general 'flasher' morphology and rapid flight; distinguished by anaphus having relatively dull coloration with specific yellow-tipped wings rather than more extensive iridescent or contrasting patterns

• skipper
• flasher
• Neotropical
• stray
• Fabaceae feeder

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy