Spread-wing Skippers

Pyrginae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Hesperiidae
Subfamily: Pyrginae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pyrginae: /pɪɹ.ˈd͡ʒaɪ.neɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Pyrginae, commonly known as spread-winged skippers, is a large subfamily of skipper butterflies characterized by their spread-wing posture and diverse habitats. They do not feed from flowers, but are known to consume fluids from decomposing organic matter.

Physical Characteristics

Wings held out flat to the sides when not flying. Usually brown, black, or checkered, with some species being brilliantly colored. Some species have long-tailed hind wings.

Identification Tips

Typically recognized by their spread-wing behavior and coloration patterns. Males are often territorial, perching prominently.

Habitat

Found essentially worldwide except in very cold or desert regions, likely originating in tropical regions.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with high diversity in the Neotropics.

Diet

Primarily sip fluids from dung, carrion, and rotting fruit rather than visiting flowers for nourishment.

Evolution

DNA studies have shown that the former subfamily Pyrrhopyginae is now included within Pyrginae as the tribe Pyrrhopygini.