Eufala Skipper (University of Arizona Pollinator Field Guide)

Eufala Skipper

Lerodea eufala

Who am I? ²

peeps out
Oh hello! I am the Eufala Skipper (...my cuter nickname is the rice leaffolder), and to scientists I am Lerodea eufala. There is not much to say about me right now, but maybe this will change in the future!

Quick facts ²

Common name: Eufala skipper

Scientific name:Lerodea eufala (W.H. Edwards 1869)

Characteristics:

Wingspan: 1 - 1 1/4 inches (2.5 - 3.2 cm)
Upperside: Grey-brown, a few small white spots, white lining
Underside: mostly brown, sometimes there are faint spots

Host plant: Variety of grasses - some of which are from the families Paspalum, Sorghum, and from turf and crop grasses

Nectar plant: Variety of flowers - some are croton, alfalfa, composites, and lippia

Distribution: S United States to Argentina and Chile

Flight times: Present throughout the year in Florida, South Texas, and Arizona, aside from cooler months. See seasonality: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/59195-Lerodea-eufala

Where can you find me on campus? ²

The Eufala skipper may be found in the vast patches of grass established around campus. As adults, the males will wait for females to mate, and the females will search for suitable habitats to lay their eggs. Much like the Fiery Skipper, if two and two are put together, Eufala skippers may just meet up at these grassy areas since that is also what their larva feeds on. Some of the larger grassy areas on campus include the Mall, the grass in front of Old Main fountain and the Arizona State Museum.