Gegenes nostrodamus
Gegenes nostrodamus Fabricius, 1793
- kingdom Animalia
- phylum Arthropoda
- class Insecta
- order Lepidoptera
- family Hesperiidae
- genus Gegenes
Common Names
Mediterranean Skipper (English), فراشة البحر المتوسط متموجة الحركة (Arabic)
Languages: English
Overview
Description
Size: 24-28 mm. This species lacks the hyaline spots that characterizes related skippers. The male is unmarked with brown, and the female has lighter non-hyaline markings.
Conservation
Status in Egypt
Resident
Abundance
Common
IUCN
Least Concern
Ecology and Distribution
Global Distribution
Narrow (Mediterranean to Afghanistan, Pakistan and North India)
Distribution in Egypt
Widespread (throughout the Delta and the Nile Valley to Sudan). AOO = 176 km2. EOO = 583,000 km2. 11 locations
Records
48 records. Latest in 2006 (Kharga oasis)
Habitat
Hot dry paths and rocky gorges; adults found in shady areas.
Life Cycle
Several generations per year.
The Flight Period
February-November
Trophic Strategy
Host-plants: Poaceae, Aeluropus lagopoides and Panicum turgidum (all Graminae).