Neumogen's Giant-Skipper

Agathymus neumoegeni

The Neumogen's Giant-Skipper is a large, powerful skipper of the desert Southwest whose larvae bore into the roots of agave plants where they develop for two to four years. Adults have a very brief flight period timed to agave phenology and are fast, powerful fliers that are difficult to observe. The caterpillar is the same species eaten as a food delicacy in Mexico.

Habitat

Arid hillsides and desert grasslands with agave

Diet

Larvae: agave roots. Adults: nectar from flowers

How common

Rare

Not certain it is a Neumogen's Giant-Skipper? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.