Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915
Codatractus valeriana
This record describes Codatractus valeriana (species). Recorded family: Hesperiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Forewing: Hindwing: Primarily a Mexican species, it is rare and local in the U.S. Adults are active both during the day and at twilight (semi-crepuscular). BugGuide post by Philip Kline, August 8, 2009.
Identification notes
Forewing: Hindwing:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Papilionoidea
- Family
- Hesperiidae (Skippers)
- Subfamily
- Eudaminae
- Genus
- Codatractus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open woodland, drainage areas
Geographic Range
In the U.S., southern Arizona near the Mexican border.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in late July and early August.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Caterpillars: Legumes, including smoothpod hairypea ( Tephrosia leiocarpa ) Adults: Flower nectar; will also sip mud
Life History
Adults in July and August; caterpillars overwinter.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mielke & Warren (2004) determined that Thorybes mysie Dyar, 1904 is a junior synonym of Codatractus valeriana . See Print References below. This species was listed in the 1983 Hodges Checklist as Codatractus valerianus . The original combination was Eudamus valeriana . ICZN code 34.2.1 states "If a species-group name is a noun in apposition its ending need not agree in gender with the generic name with which it is combined and must not be changed to agree in gender with the generic name [Art. 31.2.1]." Mielke & Warren (2004) list this as Codatractus valeriana . Perhaps code 34.2.1 applies here.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Codatractus valeriana. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915 (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915
What is Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915?
Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915 (Codatractus valeriana) is a species in the family Hesperiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915?
Forewing: Hindwing:
Where is Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open woodland, drainage areas |
| Range | In the U.S., southern Arizona near the Mexican border. |
What does Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915 eat?
The diet of the Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915 includes Caterpillars: Legumes, including smoothpod hairypea ( Tephrosia leiocarpa ) Adults: Flower nectar; will also sip mud.
When is Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915 active?
Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915: seasonal activity - Adults fly in late July and early August..
What is the life cycle of a Valeriana Skipper - Hodges#3915?
Adults in July and August; caterpillars overwinter.