Staphylus

Godman & Salvin, 1896

Scallopwings

Species Guides

Staphylus ceos(golden-headed scallopwing)
Staphylus hayhurstii(Hayhurst's scallopwing)
Staphylus mazans(Mazans Scallopwing)

Staphylus is a of ( Hesperiidae, Pyrginae, tribe Carcharodini) commonly known as scallopwings. The genus is found primarily in the Neotropical region, with distributed across South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the southern United States. The subgenus Capilla was revised in 2023, with four new species described and female genitalia illustrated for six species for the first time.

Staphylus mazans by (c) Roger Rittmaster, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roger Rittmaster. Used under a CC-BY license.

Staphylus hayhurstii by (c) mayfly1963, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by mayfly1963. Used under a CC-BY license.

Staphylus hayhurstii by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Staphylus: //ˈstæfɪləs//

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

Identification

Members of this can be distinguished from similar skippers by scalloped wing margins, a trait reflected in their . The subgenus Capilla contains with distinctive morphological features now documented through redescriptions and identification keys. Female genitalia has been characterized for several species as a taxonomic diagnostic tool.

Images

Distribution

Primarily Neotropical. Range extends from South America through the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America into the southern United States. Specific documented localities include Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil. The Staphylus hayhurstii has been recorded in Colorado, USA, outside the core range.

Similar Taxa

AmblyscirtesBoth are of grass-skippers in Hesperiidae, but Staphylus has scalloped wing margins while Amblyscirtes typically lack this feature.
SystaseaSome Staphylus superficially resemble metalmarks; Systasea zampa (Arizona Powdered-Skipper) has been confused with metalmarks similar to how Staphylus ceos resembles them at first glance.