Paratrytone
Godman, 1900
Species Guides
1- Paratrytone snowi(Snow's Skipper)
Paratrytone is a of skippers in the Hesperiidae, established by Godman in 1900. The genus contains five recognized distributed in North America. Some species, such as the Umber Skipper (Poanes melane, formerly placed in Paratrytone), are associated with riparian and grassland . The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with at least one species transferred to another genus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paratrytone: //ˌpærəˈtraɪtoʊni//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Habitat
historically associated with this occupy riparian forest edges, streamside vegetation, and urban grassland . The Umber Skipper, formerly classified in Paratrytone, perches in dappled light and shade along streamsides, generally well above ground level. It has also been observed in urban environments where it breeds on Bermuda Grass.
Distribution
North America. The includes ranging from California and the western United States. The Umber Skipper, formerly placed in this genus, has been recorded from the San Francisco Bay Area through southern California, with historical spread documented into San Diego County by 1941.
Seasonality
have been observed in May through August in California. The Umber Skipper, formerly classified in Paratrytone, was first recorded in San Diego County in August 1941.
Diet
Larvae of the Umber Skipper, formerly placed in this , feed on leaves of various grasses including Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon). visit flowers including Yerba Santa, dogbane, milkweed, thistles, yellow starthistle, California buckeye, and coyote bush.
Behavior
The Umber Skipper, formerly classified in Paratrytone, perches in dappled light and shade. It exhibits territorial along streamsides. are rapid, darting fliers characteristic of skippers.
Ecological Role
function as of diverse flowering plants. Larvae serve as primary consumers in grassland .
Human Relevance
The Umber Skipper, formerly in this , is considered an urban "lawn skipper" in parts of the Bay Area, where it breeds on Bermuda Grass in residential and park settings. It is occasionally encountered by enthusiasts and photographers.
Similar Taxa
- PoanesThe Umber Skipper was transferred from Paratrytone to Poanes (as Poanes melane), indicating close morphological and ecological similarity between these .
- BrownusParatrytone browni was transferred to Brownus browni, suggesting historical confusion in generic boundaries within Hesperiinae.
More Details
Taxonomic Revision
The has experienced significant taxonomic revision. Poanes melane, the Umber Skipper, was historically classified as Paratrytone melane but is now placed in Poanes. Paratrytone browni was transferred to Brownus browni. These changes reflect ongoing refinement of generic boundaries within Hesperiinae.
Population Dynamics
The Umber Skipper, formerly in this , was locally extinct in Davis, California for over 30 years before recolonizing. It has been described as having periodic , with a notable expansion recorded in 1941 into San Diego County.