Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Two-barred Flasher
Astraptes fulgerator (Walch, 1775)


Family: Hesperiidae
Subfamily: Pyrginae
Identification: Tailless; wings brown. Upperside of body and basal part of wings are iridescent blue; forewing has a white band and small white spots near the apex. Male has a costal fold containing scent scales on the forewing. Underside of forewing has a white patch at base; head and thorax are yellow below.
Wing Span: 1 7/8 - 2 3/8 inches (4.8 - 6.1 cm).
Life History: Adults rest upside down under large leaves. Males perch in sunny openings to wait for females.
Flight: All year in South Texas.
Caterpillar Hosts: Coyotillo in Texas and Vitex in Mexico.
Adult Food: Flower nectar or bird droppings.
Habitat: Tropical forests near rivers or streams.
Range: Argentina north through Central America to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Strays to central Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
Conservation: Populations in the lower Rio Grande Valley should be monitored and conserved.
NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: Maintain habitats in the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.
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