Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Traditionally included as a tribe (or several) within the subfamily Pyrginae
Explanation of Names
"Dicot" refers to the larval host plants:
Dicotyledons.
"Flashers" is a name widely used for tropical members of the group, but not for most species in the US.
Identification
Usually large for Skippers. Front wings (and usually hind wings) distinctly triangular in shape. Hind wings often prolonged at the hind angle, sometimes into a long tail. Antennae with long tapered clubs that curve through their length. Usually dark brown with angular white, gold, or glassy spots on front wings and sometimes hind wings. Often (especially when fresh) with a reflective blue or green sheen to the base of wings and body above. Most species are more inclined to rest or perch with their wings folded in typical "butterfly fashion" than most Skippers.
Range
Mostly Neotropical but some in Asia, and some ranging north into Canada.
Food
Various dicots, mostly woody, with Fabaceae perhaps the most important family used.
Remarks
This group was traditionally placed within the Pyrginae as a tribe (or several tribes), but these are for the most part distinctly different-looking and different-behaving insects, and most recent workers have elevated them to subfamily status. Molecular DNA evidence strongly supports this. This is a distinctive and fairly easily recognized group, as is Pyrginae when these insects are separated out.
See Also
In appearance most easily confused with some of the Hesperiinae (Grass Skippers), but those are usually considerably smaller, with antennal clubs often shaped differently, and at least when feeding most often rest with hind wings spread to the sides more than front wings.
Members of the Pyrginae are usually smaller (some are relatively large) and more often rest or perch with their wings spread out flat to the sides. The wings are usually less distinctly triangular, often more rounded and less elongate, and sometimes quite irregular (almost scalloped) at the outer edge. They tend to have the pattern more broken or pale, but this varies a lot with the genus.
Internet References
list of species about two-thirds distance down page, with common name, distribution, and links to photos of numerous species (Interactive Listing of American Butterflies, butterfliesofamerica.com)
