Introduction
There are 1237 described species of Hesperiine (grass-feeding skippers) in the neotropical region, and probably at least another 100 still awaiting discovery.
The genus Vettius is quite easy to recognise, as the underside hindwings of several species have distinctive stripes, and the forewings are marked with a unique configuration of small hyaline spots.
This species is named after Marcus Vettius Bolanus – the Roman soldier and politician who became governor of Britain in AD 69. His rule was short-lived, being succeeded by Quintus Petillius Cerealis in AD 71. There are many butterfly species named after Roman or Greek characters.
Vettius marcus is distributed from Mexico to Bolivia.
Habitats
This species is found in disturbed forest-edge habitats, including clearings, riverbanks, roadsides, and sunny trails. It seems to be most frequent in the vicinity of small streams and occurs at altitudes between about 200-1800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered as singletons, basking with wings half-open on low-growing herbage.
