Apyrrothrix
Lindsey, 1921
Species Guides
1- Apyrrothrix araxes(dull firetip)
Apyrrothrix is a of skippers ( Hesperiidae) first described by Lindsey in 1921. The genus is currently recognized as a synonym of Pyrrhopyge, though it was historically treated as distinct. in this group are large, robust skippers commonly known as firetips, characterized by their dull coloration and association with oak . The type species, Apyrrothrix araxes (dull firetip skipper), has been documented feeding on Baccharis salicifolia flowers in Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apyrrothrix: /əˈpɪroʊθrɪks/
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 other skippers by their relatively large size, robust body form, and dull coloration compared to the often brighter Pyrrhopyge . The genus-level distinction from Pyrrhopyge is primarily taxonomic and not readily apparent in field identification.
Images
Habitat
Oak-associated in mountainous regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Documented from dry washes and canyon slopes at mid to higher elevations in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico) and Mexico. Specific records include the Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona.
Seasonality
have been observed in early September in Arizona. Larval on oaks suggest spring patterns typical of oak-feeding Lepidoptera.
Diet
Larvae feed on oaks (Quercus spp.). visit flowers for nectar; documented on Baccharis salicifolia (willow baccharis).
Host Associations
- Quercus - larval larvae feed on oaks
- Baccharis salicifolia - nectar sourceobserved feeding on flowers in Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona
Similar Taxa
- PyrrhopygeApyrrothrix is currently synonymized with Pyrrhopyge; historically separated based on subtle morphological differences in wing venation and genitalia that are not apparent in field identification.
More Details
Taxonomic Status
Catalogue of Life lists Apyrrothrix as a synonym of Pyrrhopyge, though iNaturalist and NCBI continue to recognize it as a valid . The type Apyrrothrix araxes was originally described by Lindsey in 1921.