Plain Longtail (Urbanus simplicius) (Stoll, 1790) |
Synonyms: Goniurus pilatus, Thymele thiemei, Papilio simplicius |
Urbanus simplicius occurs in the tropical Americas from Mexico to northern Argentina, and the West Indies. It occasionally strays into southern Texas and Florida. This skipper is usually associated with edge and disturbed habitats including tropical forest clearings, roadsides, and pastures; from sea level to ca. 1500m. Adults feed on nectar e.g., of Eupatorium (Asteraceae), Lantana (Verbenaceae), and also on bird droppings. The caterpillar’s host plants are legumes (Fabaceae), e.g., Phaseolus and Mimosa spp.