Species Insects & ArthropodsMangrove Skipper

Mangrove Skipper

Phocides pigmalion

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Mangrove Skipper (Phocides pigmalion)

The Mangrove Skipper is one of the most spectacular skippers in North America, with velvety blue-black wings shimmering with iridescent teal-blue patches. It is restricted to mangrove habitats in southern Florida where red mangrove is the sole larval host. Adults are powerful fliers that visit garden flowers and mangrove blooms for nectar.

Habitat
Mangrove swamps and adjacent coastal areas of South Florida
Diet
Larvae: red mangrove leaves. Adults: nectar from garden and coastal flowers
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Mangrove Skipper

The best time to see a Mangrove Skipper is November–April, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,975 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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