Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Dimorphic Grass Skipper
Anthoptus
epictetus
FABRICIUS, 1793
Family -
HESPERIIDAE
subfamily -
HESPERIINAE
Anthoptus epictetus,
female, Tingo Maria, Peru
© Peter Bruce-Jones
Introduction
There are at least 1038 different species of Grass Skippers found
in the neotropical region. Many are a very plain dark brown or fuscous colour,
while others are marked with orange streaks and blotches on a dark brown ground
colour.
All members of the subfamily Hesperiinae are sexually dimorphic - males being
distinguished by the presence of a dark streak of androconial scales on the
upperside of the forewing. In Anthoptus the
dimorphism is extreme - males are very dark chocolate in colour, while females
are marked with streaks and patches of golden-orange.
The genus Anthoptus comprises of 5 known species,
of which epictetus is the commonest and
most widespread, being found from Mexico to Peru and Brazil.
Habitats
This species can be found in almost any grassy habitat including riverbanks,
forest glades, edges and clearings, fields, pastures and roadsides, at altitudes between sea level and at least 800m.
Anthoptus epictetus,
male on right, Tingo Maria, Peru
© Peter Bruce-Jones
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are very active in sunshine, but can often be
found at rest during overcast weather, or very early in the day,
when they sit on herbage with wings held in the typical Hesperiine
posture.
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