Variegated Skipper

Scientific Name
Diaeus variegata
Plötz, 1884
Specie in
Family
Variegated Skipper
Diaeus variegata, male, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins

Introduction

The Pyrginae, popularly known as Flats or Spreadwings, are a cosmopolitan subfamily distributed across temperate and tropical habitats throughout the world. In the Americas there are 990 species, of which about 580 are assigned to the tribe Pyrgini.

There are 4 Diaeus 4 species – varna from Mexico, ambata from Ecuador, lacaena from Brazil, and variegata.

Diaeus variegata is found in eastern Ecuador, the Peruvian Andes, Bolivia and across the southern Amazon basin of Brazil.

Diaeus variegata, male, Tingo Maria, Peru - Adrian Hoskins
Diaeus variegata, male, Tingo Maria, Peru – Adrian Hoskins

Habitats

This species appears to be restricted to rainforest habitats at altitudes between about 200-1500m.

Lifecycle

This appears to be unknown.

Diaeus variegata, male, Tingo Maria, Peru - Adrian Hoskins
Diaeus variegata, male, Tingo Maria, Peru – Adrian Hoskins

Adult behaviour

My only observations are of males. All have been encountered singly in the vicinity of mountain streams, either imbibing moisture from damp sand, or basking on the foliage of bushes or saplings.

Diaeus variegata, Tingo Maria, Peru - Emily Halsey
Diaeus variegata, Tingo Maria, Peru – Emily Halsey

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Butterfly of
Scientific Name
Diaeus variegata
by
Plötz, 1884
Family
SubFamily
PYRGINAE
Tribe
PYRGINI
SubTribe
N/A

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