Mexican Cloudywing

(Thorybes mexicana)
Spread-wing Skippers

Appearance: Above, golden-brown with a few dark-edged glassy white spots varying in size on forewing.  Below, mottled brown with the outer portion of wings pale gray or pink in cast. The forewing spots are apparent; hindwing has brown striations.

Wingspan: Small; 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 inches.

Habitat: Meadows, slopes, and clearings, often near mud or moist areas and streams; montane, sub-alpine, alpine.

Flight Times: June to August; one brood.

Larval Foodplant: Clovers, wild pea, and vetches.

Did You Know…
Males perch on or near ground on hilltops.  Smaller and usually occurs at higher elevations than the Northern Cloudywing.