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.
Pyrgus oileus is probably the most well known and easily recognised member of the genus Pyrgus, which are known in Europe as Grizzled Skippers. In North America they are known as Chequered Skippers, which can be confusing because the butterflies known in Europe as Chequered Skippers belong to an entirely different subfamily – the Heteropterinae.
All males in the genus Pyrgus (and in several other Pyrginae genera) have the basal half of the leading edge of the forewing folded. Within the fold are hundreds of specialised wing scales called androconia, from which pheromones are disseminated to entice females into copulation.
This species is endemic to Colombia.
Habitats
Pyrgus adepta can be found in a wide variety of disturbed semi-open habitats including fields and pastures, grassland and farmland. It is commonest at elevations between about 500-1500m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies visit a variety of low growing flowering plants for nectar, usually feeding with the wings held half open. At dusk they bask for a while before going to roost on dead flowers or on the terminal leaves of herbaceous plants.