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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.. |
