Lerodea arabus

(Edwards, 1882)

Violet-clouded Skipper, Olive-clouded Skipper

Lerodea arabus is a grass in the Hesperiidae, found in Central America and North America. Despite its suggesting violet coloration, the is relatively nondescript in appearance. The caterpillar feeds on Bermuda grass, barnyard grass, and other weedy grasses, yet the species is consistently described as rare in reference works.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lerodea arabus: //lɛˈroʊdiə ˈærəbəs//

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Identification

Identified by the dark brown patch on the underside of the hind wing. Distinguished from similar skippers by this marking and its relatively plain overall appearance. Superficially resembles some metalmark at first glance.

Appearance

Relatively nondescript skipper with a distinct dark brown patch on the underside of the hind wing. The "Violet-clouded Skipper" suggests violet coloration, but this is not prominently visible in field observation.

Habitat

Associated with areas where grasses grow, including weedy . Observed at gardens and similar maintained landscapes with diverse vegetation.

Distribution

Central America and North America. Documented in the southwestern United States, including Arizona, and southward through Middle America.

Seasonality

Active in spring. Documented observations from March in Arizona.

Diet

Larval plants: Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), and other weedy grasses.

Host Associations

  • Cynodon dactylon - larval Bermuda grass
  • Echinochloa crus-galli - larval Barnyard grass

Behavior

visit flowers for nectar. The is described as rare despite abundant plant availability.

Human Relevance

Observed in gardens and maintained landscapes. Listed with MONA/Hodges number 4112.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

The "Violet-clouded Skipper" suggests prominent violet coloration, but field observers note that no violet is readily visible and the is relatively plain in appearance.

More Details

Rarity Status

Despite feeding on common weedy grasses, most reference books list this as "rare." This disconnect between plant abundance and species rarity remains unexplained in available sources.

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Sources and further reading