Long-tailed Skipper

Urbanus proteus

This long-tailed skipper is found east of the I-35 corridor up to about Dallas. It is a common visitor to my Houston area gardens.

As it skips around your garden, you will notice the iridescent green running along the topside of its body and spilling over into the base of the wings.

As you can see below, it feeds on a variety of flowers. I find it frequently on my Blue Salvia and Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis).

It’s larva feed on legumes and can be considered a pest by those trying to grow beans.

It is similar to the less common Dorantes Longtail.