Longtail
Guides
Ectomis octomaculata
Eight-spotted Longtail
Ectomis octomaculata is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) found throughout the Americas, from the Caribbean through Middle America to North and South America. The species is commonly known as the Eight-spotted Longtail, referring to the characteristic pattern of spots on its wings and the elongated tail-like projection on the hindwing typical of many hesperiids. Taxonomically, it has been treated as a synonym of Polythrix octomaculata in some classifications, though sources such as NCBI and iNaturalist maintain it under the genus Ectomis.
Spicauda simplicius
Plain Longtail
Spicauda simplicius, commonly known as the plain longtail, is a neotropical skipper butterfly with a broad distribution from northern Mexico to northern Argentina. It exhibits cryptic brown coloration with elongated hindwing tails characteristic of the genus. The species is highly adaptable, thriving in both degraded open habitats and closed forests, and has been observed in urban environments. It is among the most abundant hesperiids in its range, with stable populations active year-round in suitable climates. The species feeds exclusively on plants in the bean family (Fabaceae) and has been documented using numerous agricultural and wild host plants.
Spicauda tanna
Tanna Longtail
Spicauda tanna, commonly known as the Tanna Longtail, is a skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) distributed from South America northward through Central America to Mexico, with rare strays reaching southern Texas. The species has a wingspan of 33–38 mm and is active during the latter half of the year in its core range. Its larval host plant remains unknown, and adult feeding habits have not been directly documented.
Urbanus doryssus
White-tailed Longtail
Urbanus doryssus is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, distributed across the Americas from the southern United States through Central and South America. The species belongs to a genus characterized by long, slender hindwing tails. Like other members of Urbanus, it exhibits rapid, darting flight patterns typical of the skipper group. The species was originally described by Swainson in 1831 under the basionym Eudamus doryssus.