Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Variegated Skipper
Diaeus
variegata
PLÖTZ, 1884
Family -
HESPERIIDAE
subfamily -
PYRGINAE
Tribe - PYRGINI
Diaeus
variegata, male,
Satipo, Peru
Introduction
The
Hesperiidae comprises of 5
subfamilies - Hesperiinae,
Heteropterinae, Pyrrhopyginae, Pyrginae and Megathyminae.
The
Pyrginae are commonly known as Flats or Spreadwings. They are found on all
continents of the world, in tropical, temperate and sub-Arctic habitats. In the neotropical
region there are 990 described species, but this probably represents less than
80 percent of the true total.
There are 4 species in the
genus Diaeus, namely varna
from Mexico; and ambata,
variegata and lacaena from South America.
Diaeus
variegata is found in eastern Ecuador, the Peruvian Andes, Bolivia and
across the southern Amazon basin of Brazil.
Habitats
This species appears to be restricted to rainforest habitats at altitudes
between about 200-1500m.
Lifecycle
This appears to be unknown.
Adult behaviour
My only observations are of
males. All have been encountered singly in the vicinity of
mountain streams, either imbibing moisture from damp sand, or
basking on the foliage of bushes or saplings.
Diaeus
variegata, male,
Tingo Maria, Peru
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