 The
Grass Demon is a garden butterfly which appears to be relatively rare in
Singapore. The species feeds on Turmeric (Curcuma domestica)
- a member of the prolific ginger family. This plant, cultivated
for its rhizomes and leaves which are used in Malaysian and Singaporean
cooking, is now rarely seen in gardens. Even so, in urban areas where
the plants are cultivated, it is likely that the widespread use of insecticides
would render the environment unconducive for the survival of the butterfly
species.
Where observed, the Grass Demon
is often seen singly at flowers in secondary growth. The wings are
dark brown above with white spots. The underside is a rusty brown
and patches of white. The species, like the majority of Hesperiidae,
is a fast flyer and stops to rest in the typical Skipper fashion, with
the hindwings opened flat and the forewings held at an angle. |
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