The Banana Skipper is a large brown
Hesperiid
with large yellow spots on the forewings above.
The butterfly has red eyes which is
reminiscent of the Giant Redeye, which is the larger of the two species.
Adult Banana Skippers are less often seen although the caterpillars can
be quite common on the host plants. This may be due to the fact that
the butterfly is only active during the early morning hours and just before
dusk. It is sometimes attracted to the lights of dwellings and flies
towards the lights in the evenings.
The caterpillars can be found where
the banana plants (Musa spp) are cultivated. Occasionally,
an infestation is severe enough for the species to be considered one of
the banana farmer's pests. The characteristic rolled up portions
of the banana leaves are a dead giveaway to the presence of the caterpillars.
Pupation takes place in a rolled up leaf as well, and the adult butterfly
emerges after about a week. The caterpillar swings from side to side
violently when disturbed, and exudes a greenish fluid. The pupa also
wriggles violently when disturbed.
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