Arizona Powdered-Skipper
Systasea zampa
Description 1-1 1/2" (25-38 mm). Above, olive-tan powdered with sparse, black scales; variegated patches in tan, gray, and olive; FW glassy spots form zigzag stripe; sometimes copper-colored patches beyond cell of FW/ HW submarginal band above olive-brown. Similar but paler below. HW edge wave.
Similar Species Texas Powdered-Skipper smaller, more copper-colored; glassy spots in line.
Life Cycle Unknown.
Flight Successive, overlapping broods; April-October in Arizona.
Habitat Desert canyons, arroyos, and oases.
Range W. Texas, S. New Mexico, Arizona, S. California, Baja California, and NW. Mexico.
Discussion Rather common in parts of Arizona and Baja California, this powdered-skipper is considered a rarity in southern California. Colonies occur along the western edge of the Colorado Desert.
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