Hooked-antennae
Guides
Hesperiinae
Grass Skippers, Banded Skippers, Folded-Wing Skippers
Hesperiinae is the largest subfamily of skippers (Hesperiidae), commonly known as grass skippers or folded-wing skippers. Adults typically rest with forewings held at a 45-degree angle and hindwings flat, creating a distinctive 'fighter-jet' posture. The subfamily exhibits broad dietary diversity: larvae feed on monocots including grasses and bamboos (Poaceae), palms (Arecaceae), gingers and relatives (Zingiberales), and Dracaena (Asparagaceae), as well as various dicotyledonous plants. Larval shelter-building is widespread, with most species constructing leaf rolls or folds for protection.