Frass-shooting
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Epargyreus
Silverdrops, Flasher butterflies
Epargyreus is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as silverdrops or flasher butterflies. The genus name derives from Greek argyros meaning 'silver,' referring to the characteristic white spot on the ventral hindwing. Species occur across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms, with the best-known species being Epargyreus clarus (silver-spotted skipper), which ranges from southern Canada through the United States to South America. Larvae construct distinctive leaf shelters using silk and are known for 'frass-shooting' behavior—expelling excrement up to 40 times their body length away from their shelters.