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Long-tailed Skipper

Urbanus proteus

The Long-tailed Skipper is a small butterfly with beautiful blue and brown wings. Its long tail makes it look special as it flutters around flowers in search of nectar.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Long-tailed Skipper has an iridescent blue-green body and dark brownish-purple wings marked with distinct, glassy square spots. Its hindwings feature two very long, prominent tails, making it easy to identify among other butterflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusUrbanus
Long-tailed Skipper
colorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badgediurnal trait badge
Long-tailed Skipper

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though it's an insect, it travels thousands of miles, migrating south for winter!

If startled, the chrysalis of this skipper can wiggle very fast to scare away danger!

Its caterpillars are called 'leaf-rollers' because they make a cozy home by folding leaves!

Unlike most butterflies, it often holds its front and hind wings at different angles while resting.

Special abilities

Ability

Dazzling Distraction

Long-tailed Skipper has two long tails that can confuse predators, drawing attacks away from its vital body parts.

Ability

Zooming Flight

Long-tailed Skipper can fly with incredible speed and erratic movements to evade birds and other airborne threats.

Ability

Nectar Noodler

Long-tailed Skipper uses its long proboscis to reach deep nectar in flowers, accessing food others can't.

Ability

Leaf-Rolling Camouflage

Its caterpillar larvae roll up leaves as homes, protecting them from predators while they munch away.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
38-50 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Flight Speed
25 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip sweet flower nectar, while their hungry caterpillars munch on plant leaves.

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) eat leaves; adults drink nectar using a long proboscis.

Primary Foods

  • Flower nectar
  • Bean plant leaves
  • Pea plant leaves
  • Soybean leaves
  • Indigofera leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch. Enjoy looking at them from a distance!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Long-tailed Skipper's wingspan?

38-50 mm

How big is Long-tailed Skipper?

15-20 mm

How long does Long-tailed Skipper live?

7-14 days

How fast can Long-tailed Skipper fly?

25 km/h

What does Long-tailed Skipper eat?

Adults sip sweet flower nectar, while their hungry caterpillars munch on plant leaves.

Where is Long-tailed Skipper usually found?

Urban areas

How does Long-tailed Skipper hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Long-tailed Skipper have?

6

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