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Species Detail

Arizona Skipper

Codatractus arizonensis (Skinner, 1905)

JPG -- species photo

Attributes of Codatractus arizonensis


Family: Skippers (Hesperiidae)

Subfamily: Spread-wing Skippers (Pyrginae)

Identification: Fringes are checkered. Upperside is dark brown; hindwing has an olive-brown overlay. Forewing median band consists of 4 large shiny white spots both above and below. Underside of hindwing has gray overscales on the outer third and 2 irregular dark bands.

Life history: Males are highly territorial and perch on shrub branches.

Flight: Several flights in Mexico from April-October.

Wing span: 1 3/4 - 2 inches (4.5 - 5.1 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Tahitian kidneywood (Eysenhardtia orthocarpa) in the pea family (Fabaceae).

Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Usually near water in desert mountains, canyons, and washes.

Range: Southern Arizona, west Texas, and Mexico.

Conservation: Not usually required.

NatureServe Global Status: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: None reported.

Documented Records for Codatractus arizonensis



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