Pyrrhopygini

Distinguished from other skipper tribes by the combination of robust body, broad wings, and frequently present red or orange abdominal tuft. The metallic thoracic coloration separates them from most other Hesperiidae tribes except related Pyrrhopyginae. The single species reaching the United States (Pyrrhopyge zenodorus) can be identified by its northward range extension.

Medium to large skippers with robust bodies and relatively broad wings. Many species exhibit metallic blue or green coloration on the thorax and wing bases. The abdomen frequently terminates in a conspicuous red or orange tuft, the namesake 'firetip' trait. Wing patterns vary but often include bold contrasting markings of black, white, and metallic scales.

Tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, and disturbed habitats with woody vegetation. Many species are associated with primary or secondary forest environments.

Neotropical region from Mexico through Central America and South America to northern Argentina. One species, Pyrrhopyge zenodorus, extends into southern Arizona and Texas in the United States.

• Hesperiinae (grass skippers)Lack the metallic thoracic coloration and red abdominal tip; generally smaller with more angular wings
• Eudaminae (dicot skippers)Differ in wing venation and lack the characteristic robust body with metallic thorax; no red abdominal tuft

• Neotropical
• skipper butterflies
• metallic coloration
• fire tip

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life