Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Zestos Skipper
Epargyreus zestos (Geyer, 1832)


Family: Hesperiidae
Subfamily: Eudaminae
Identification: Upperside is brown-black with a transparent gold stripe across the middle of the forewing. Underside of hindwing is reddish brown and usually has no silver mark.
Wing Span: 1 3/4 - 2 3/8 inches (4.5 - 6 cm).
Life History: Males patrol for females; adults have an erratic flight.
Flight: January-November in south Florida.
Caterpillar Hosts: Galactia in the pea family (Fabaceae).
Adult Food: Nectar from flowers including Bidens, Lantana, and Bougainvillea.
Habitat: Subtropical coastal scrub.
Range: Southern Florida and the Keys; the West Indies.
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.
Taxonomy Notes: Formerly in the subfamily Pyrginae.
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