Dart

Description:

Hesperiidae; Hesperiinae; Potanthus sp. In recent weeks, I have observed a number of Potanthus spp. in our immediate area and I am reasonably sure that they are not all identical. In other words, I think that there are several different spp. present. Not having any special knowledge in Hesperiidae, I just have to rely on comparing my spottings with pictures shown on various websites. I would think I go about this process of identification just like everybody else. Firstly, I try to find pictures of fully identified species or subspecies for comparison. If I find a match, then I can get on with posting a spotting with confidence. However, when I find pictures of various spp. and my photos look close to all of them, but not close enough to be an exact match, I feel less secure. I find myself wondering "Are there really so many different spp. or am I just not getting this right?" As I see it, there must be a great many Potanthus spp.

Habitat:

This Potanthus sp. was spotted in a rice field which was left uncultivated this season to allow the land to rest. When we do this, an amazing variety of grasses and foliage springs up very quickly and creates what I like to call a tropical meadow.