Monk Skipper

Scientific name

Asbolis capucinus (Lucas)

Family

Hesperiidae

Description

Adults: Wingspan 3.8-6.4 cm; forewing and hindwing dark brown with essentially no distinct markings, however, female may have 2 pale elyptical spots on forewing; antennae clubbed, male with a black stigmastigma:
an area of dark-colored scent scales located near the center of the forewing of some male Lepidoptera; useful in producting pheromones to attract females
.

Larvae: Length greater than 2.5 cm; body smooth and greenish in color; body markings with small black dots; head larger than prothorax.

Diagnostic features

Adult: Forewings dark brown with rufous edge at base with essentially no markings; male has a black stigmastigma:
an area of dark-colored scent scales located near the center of the forewing of some male Lepidoptera; useful in producting pheromones to attract females
.

Larvae: Head larger than prothorax.

Distribution

Native: Cuba

Introduced: United States (Florida). Species now ranges from Central to South Florida.

Hosts

Palms: many genera

Other: none

May be confused with

Ventral, solid dark color flecked with light scales, and light colored wing fringes, along with its large size differentiate it from the Palatka Skipper.

Additional comments

Caterpillars feed on mature leaves and fold fronds to make a nest. South Florida and Florida Keys have numerous generations per year. Central Florida has 3-4 generations per year.