Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Nero Grass Skipper
Cobalopsis nero
HERRICH-SCHAFFER, 1869
Family -
HESPERIIDAE
subfamily -
HESPERIINAE
|
 |
|
Cobalopsis nero,
Rio Pindayo, Peru |
Introduction
There are at least 1038 known species of Grass Skippers ( Hesperiinae ) found
in the neotropical region, many of which are virtually impossible to identify
from photographs. A great many of them are dark brown in colour, and virtually
devoid of recognisable markings. Often, any markings which are present are obscure, and it can be guaranteed that
there will be several dozen near identical species which can only be told apart by killing them and microscopically examining the venation and
genitalia. Because of these obstacles to identification most lepidopterists
ignore these insects, but in even
the most obscure species there are usually a few clues that can provide pointers
and enable a positive identification to be made :
In
the case of the illustrated species there are several similar butterflies in
various genera but only nero has this particular
configuration of hyaline spots. In combination with other features such as
the dark suffusion in the disco-cellular region of the forewings and the
clearly defined dark apex, the butterfly can be distinguished from it's similar
looking cousins.
There are 16 species in the genus
Cobalopsis, variously found from Mexico to
Argentina.
Data from museum specimens
indicates that Cobalopsis nero occurs from southern
Mexico to Peru.
Habitats
The illustrated specimen was seen in an area of disturbed primary rainforest at
an altitude of about 200m. I do not have any further information regarding it's
elevational range, but it is reasonable to surmise that is occurs from sea-level
to at least 400m.
Lifecycle
Unknown.
Adult behaviour
No
observations other than that the butterfly was observed at a light
gap in an area of disturbed forest.
|
