14.3. Hylephila phyleus: Fiery Skipper http://www.ck12.org
Ecology
TheHylephila phyleuswere introduced in Hawaii in 1970, the species then migrated northward to Ontario and prince
Edward in the east, and to oregon in the west (Scott 1986 ). Host plants are grasses of several species. Habitats are
southern urban lawns and grassy places. Females can have 10 to 11 eggs. They like to eat a variety of grasses in the
poaceae family, sugar cane and nectar flowers. Eggs are laid on and around the host plant singly.
Anatomy and Physiology
Butterflies have three main body parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. They have six legs and compound eyes.
Butterflies have an exoskeleton. That means they are protected by a hard outer covering called the exoskeleton.
Their blood is colorless and different from the blood of humans. The butterfly goes through distinctive larval, pupal,
and adult stages. That is a complete metamorphosis.
Behavior
Hylephila phyleusare fast butterflies. Hylephila phyleusare skilled in communicating. Butterflies talk to each
other with sound and actions. Chemicals and colors define sex and species. Chemicals are used by butterflies to
attract each other. Certain colors and chemicals attract butterflies of the other sex. The larvae rolls into a leaf and
hangs upside down, and forms a cocoon, which forms the butterfly. During mating, the male butterfly injects a
spermatophore, a packet with sperm and nutrients for eggs. The female stores her eggs in a “bursa” until she lays
them. The female is very protective of the eggs.
References
- http://www.ADW.com
- http://www.ck12.org/biology/Invertebrate-Evolution/lesson/Invertebrate-Evolution/
- http://www.Eol.org
- http://www.naturebytesvideo.com
- Milne, Lorus and Margery. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders.
New York: Alfred A Knopf, Inc, 1980. Print.
Attribution
Authors
- Isabella Reyes
- Arianna Taba
- Jackson D. Sipe
Supervising Faculty
- Amy Huff Shah