Hesperilla crypsigramma

Hesperilla crypsigramma (Meyrick & Lower, 1902)
(previously known as : Telesto crypsigramma)
Small Dingy Skipper
TRAPEZITINAE, HESPERIIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 3 July 2007)

(Picture: courtesy of CSIRO Entomology)

These Caterpillars are purple fading to pink at each end. They have obscure markings along the body and a brown head. They feed nocturnally, and by day live in a shelter constructed from foodplant leaves and silk. They are known to feed on sedges ( CYPERACEAE ) including :

Mackay Scleria ( Scleria mackaviensis ) and

Razor Grass ( Scleria sphacelata ).

The adult butterflies on top are dark brown, with a number of pale yellow spots on the forewings. The males additionally have a broad black patch on each forewing. There may be a variable orange arc on each hindwing. The undersides are similar to the upper surfaces but paler, and the males have no sex brand underneath. The butterflies have a wingspan of about 2.5 cms.

The butterflies may be found in open eucalypt forest, often settling on bare open ground. The males also frequent hill-tops.

This species occurs in local areas of the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales.