Green Nature

Dorantes Longtail

picture of a Dorantes Longtail skipper


The Dorantes Longtail (Urbanus dorantes) is one of the two common longtail skippers found in the United States, ranging from South Florida to Southern Arizona. During the summer months it may stray north to additional Southeastern states.

Like other Longtail skipper species, it is a tropical species, more at home in Mexico, Central and South America.

The top picture party shows a part of the brown forewings speckled with white spots. Also shown is the brown bars on brown wing pattern typical of the underwing.

The caterpillars feed on plants in the pea family and the adults nectar on a variety of flowering plants.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels