Species Insects & ArthropodsBrazilian Skipper

Brazilian Skipper

Calpodes ethlius

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Brazilian Skipper (Calpodes ethlius)

The Brazilian Skipper is a large, chocolate-brown skipper with translucent white spots on its forewings that give it a distinctive 'headlight' pattern in flight. Its caterpillars roll and tie canna lily leaves into shelters in gardens throughout the Southeast and Gulf Coast. Adults are powerful, fast fliers that visit flowers at dawn and dusk.

Habitat
Gardens, parks, and any area with canna lily in the South
Diet
Larvae: canna lily and other Zingiberales. Adults: nectar
How common
Common

Best time to see a Brazilian Skipper

The best time to see a Brazilian Skipper is July–October, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,203 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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