Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Arizona Skipper
Codatractus arizonensis (Skinner, 1905)


Family: Hesperiidae
Subfamily: 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.
Wing Span: 1 3/4 - 2 inches (4.5 - 5.1 cm).
Life History: Males are highly territorial and perch on shrub branches.
Flight: Several flights in Mexico from April-October.
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.
NCGR: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL