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Cobalt Longtail

Urbanus viterboana

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9.80278, -84.1319

Field Notes

Description:

This is perhaps the most variable species in the proteus group. It and its close relatives, belli, dubius and pronta are clearly distinct entities, yet some individuals can be very difficult to place, suggesting that there may be considerable hybridizing between them.

Habitat:

Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador

Species ID Suggestions

Longtail skipper

Urbanus sp.

Bluish Longtail or Cobalt Longtail

Urbanus viterboana

Comments (7)

The differences are very obvious when you know they are there... Hehe They still look similar, but now not enough to confuse them. Thanks again for all your help
Here is a wonderful and classic picture of Urbanus proteus: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7364785
Welcome! I also learn a lotby doing some IDs. And sometimes there are really these tiny little details...
You're right, actually they look very similar if you're not used to identify them. I think is just practice waht i need to be more accurate in my identifications, and more attentions to those small details. Thanks a lot, i really have learned a lot from you
I apologize, but it is not Proteus. This one should have some additional small spots on the apical area of the forewing: http://butterfliesofamerica.com/imagehtmls/Eudaminae/Urbanus_p_proteus_John_D_McArthur_St_Pk_Palm_Beach_County_FL_USA_11-21-07_012_i.htm http://butterfliesofamerica.com/imagehtmls/Eudaminae/Urbanus_p_proteus_M_Ruta_175_Road_San_Martin_Soyolapan_OAX_MX_15-26-VIII-07_i.htm In addition there are some different spots if you look at #2 and compare with: http://butterfliesofamerica.com/imagehtmls/Eudaminae/Urbanus_proteus_Mission_Hildalgo_Co_TX_USA__7-XII-04_i.htm The 2 black spots in the row nearer towards the head are separated (in your shot not) and just below there should be a white stripe along the black spot (which yours has not). But I must admit although you had 2 excellent captures which are essential for an ID it's not an easy one. After looking very carefully I think it is Urbanus viterboana: http://www.flickr.com/photos/grandma-shirley/5241440963/ http://butterfliesofamerica.com/urbanus_viterboana.htm The only alternative would be Urbanus belli, which has, however, a more "golden" base on the forewing (next to the head), which yours has not: http://www.neotropicalbutterflies.com/Site%20Revision/Pages/SkipperPages/Skippers_Pyrginae_Group5/Skippers_Pyrginae_Group5_Pages/Urbanus_belli.html
Come back for a closer ID...

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