Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1340486

Plain Longtail
Urbanus simplicius

Observation date: August 07, 2021
Submitted by: amparrish15
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: None.
Status: Unknown
Verified by: Charlie Doggett
Verified date: August 22, 2022
Coordinator notes: Okay - we could debate whether this is Urbanus simplicius (Plain Longtail) where I assigned it or Urbanus procne (Brown Longtail) that the sighter suggested. The reason for my choice is that the median band is very faint which is typical of the Plain Longtail according to the A Swift Guide to Butterflies of Mexico and Central America while the median band on the Brown is usually much whiter and bolder. That and darker spots on the Brown's folded wings are the only pronounced differences in the two.
Checklist region(s): Costa Rica