Nastra julia
(Freeman, 1944)
Julia's Skipper
Nastra julia, known as Julia's Skipper, is a small in the Hesperiidae. It occurs from southern Texas through central Mexico. fly year-round in southern Texas and from April to October elsewhere in the range. The has a wingspan of 24–29 mm.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nastra julia: //ˈnæstɹə ˈdʒuːliə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar skippers by the combination of small size, dark brown upperside with 2–5 pale spots restricted to the forewing, and uniformly yellow-brown underside with not contrasting in color. The unmarked hindwing upperside separates it from many related skippers that show more extensive spotting.
Images
Appearance
Small with wingspan 24–29 mm (approximately 15/16 to 1 1/8 inches). Upperside dark brown; forewing with 2 to 5 pale spots, hindwing unmarked. Underside yellow-brown with matching the ground color.
Distribution
North America from southern Texas south to central Mexico. Present in Middle America and North America.
Seasonality
on wing year-round in southern Texas; April to October in remainder of range.
Diet
Larvae feed on Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass). feed on flower nectar.
Host Associations
- Cynodon dactylon - larval plant