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Species Detail

Texas Powdered Skipper

Systasea pulverulenta (R. Felder, 1869)

JPG -- species photo

Attributes of Systasea pulverulenta


Family: Skippers (Hesperiidae)

Subfamily: Spread-wing Skippers (Pyrginae)

Identification: Outer margin of hindwing has 2 deep indentations. Upperside is orange-brown with darker olive-brown areas; forewing has a median band of transparent spots all in a row.

Life history: To seek females, males perch in gulches. Females deposit eggs singly on the host plant. Caterpillars feed on leaves and live in folded-leaf nests; fully-grown caterpillars hibernate.

Flight: February-December in South Texas.

Wing span: 15/16 - 1 3/8 inches (2.4 - 3.5 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Various plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae).

Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Openings in thorn forest and scrub, parks, near rivers.

Range: South and west Texas south through Mexico to Guatemala.

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 Systasea pulverulenta



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