Skippers
Guides
Copaeodes
Copaeodes is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae, subfamily Hesperiinae) established by Speyer in 1877. The genus contains six recognized species distributed in the Americas, including the orange skipperling (Copaeodes aurantiaca). Species are typically small, orange-colored skippers. The genus was formerly considered a subgenus of Oarisma by some authorities, though this classification is not universally accepted.
Erynnis
duskywings, duskywing skippers
Erynnis is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as duskywings. The genus exhibits high species diversity in the Nearctic region, with species also present across the Palearctic and Neotropical ecozones. Duskywings are medium-sized, fast-flying butterflies with dark, often brown or blackish wings that typically lack bright coloration. Many species are difficult to distinguish from one another and require examination of wing pattern details or genitalia for reliable identification.
Heliopyrgus
Heliopyrgus is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae. It was described by Herrera in 1957. The genus is taxonomically disputed, with some authorities treating it as a subgenus of Heliopetes rather than a distinct genus. Species within this group are found in the Americas.
Hesperia
Branded Skippers
Hesperia is a Holarctic genus of skippers (Hesperiidae) commonly known as the branded skippers. Most species are endemic to North America, with Hesperia comma widespread across the Holarctic, H. florinda restricted to temperate eastern Asia, and H. nabokovi endemic to Hispaniola. The genus contains approximately 25 species characterized by distinctive wing markings and rapid, darting flight patterns typical of skippers.
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.
Staphylus
Scallopwings
Staphylus is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae, tribe Carcharodini) commonly known as scallopwings. The genus is found primarily in the Neotropical region, with species distributed across South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the southern United States. The subgenus Capilla was revised in 2023, with four new species described and female genitalia illustrated for six species for the first time.