Insect · GBIF taxon 1944314
Long-tailed Skipper
Urbanus proteusAlso known as Bean Leafroller
Flitting erratically across sunlit meadows and garden borders, long-tailed skippers dart with explosive speed before perching with wings held partially open to expose their brilliant iridescent blue-green dorsal hairs. Females deposit pale green eggs on legumes, where the resulting caterpillars fashion distinctive daytime shelters by cutting and folding leaf flaps secured with silk. Each autumn, northern populations stage noticeable southward migrations along coastal plains to escape killing winter frosts.
MigratoryIridescentFast-flying
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Lantana nectar
- Beggarticks nectar
- Shepherd's needle nectar
Predators
- Crab spiders
- Insectivorous birds
- Mantises
ThreatsAgricultural insecticides and unseasonable, prolonged hard freezes
HabitatsForest edges, gardens, pastures, coastal fields, and agricultural edges
Life span1–2 months as adults; 30–40 days from egg to adult
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyHesperiidae
- GenusUrbanus
- SpeciesUrbanus proteus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Patience at Blooms: Approach slowly while it feeds on nectar, as rapid shadows trigger instant flight.
- Morning Basking: Search low foliage during cool mornings when it opens its wings to absorb sun.
Host Plant (c) M. Socorro González Elizondo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by M. Socorro González Elizondo · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Same Family no rights reserved, uploaded by Elin Pierce · cc0
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Mystic Meadows
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