Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Mercurial Skipper
Proteides mercurius (Fabricius, 1787)


Family: Hesperiidae
Subfamily: Pyrginae
Identification: Head and thorax are bright orange above; forewings are elongate. Upperside of wings is brown with golden orange at the bases. Underside is chestnut brown with white frosting on outer edges; center of hindwing has an indistinct white mark.
Wing Span: 2 1/4 - 2 3/4 inches (5.8 - 7 cm).
Life History: Adults bask with their wings spread open. Males perch to find females. Caterpillars rest in leaf shelters and come out at night to eat leaves.
Flight: April-May in southern Florida, April-October in South Texas, all year in Mexico.
Caterpillar Hosts: Tree and vine legumes including senna (Cassia), cow pea (Vigna), and Muellera.
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Near streams in lowland tropical forests, particularly in edges and openings.
Range: Argentina north through Central America to Mexico and the West Indies. Strays to Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
Conservation: Not usually required.
NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL
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