Texas Powdered-Skipper
Systasea pulverulenta
Description 1-1 1/4" (25-32 mm). Above, tan, powdered with black scales and variegated patches and bands of brown, white, rust-colored, and olive. FW above has series of white glassy spots aligned with inner margin. HW margins scalloped; fringes, dirty-white, checkered. HW disk especially scaled; HW submarginal band above is usually bright copper-colored. Similar but duller below.
Similar Species Arizona Powdered-Skipper larger, more olive-gray, has wavier HW margin; inner margin of FW spots not aligned.
Life Cycle Unrecorded.
Host plants are mallows (Abutilon, Pseudabutilon, Wissadula, Sphaeralcea).
Flight February-November in Texas.
Habitat Mountain streamsides and well-drained slopes and ridges in hilly country.
Range Texas to Guatemala.
Discussion This is the principal species in Texas and one of only 2 powdered skippers. Caterpillars can often be found feeding on mallows next to caterpillars of the Laviana Skipper.
Source
