Explanation of Names
Probably named after Phyleus (Greek φυλευς), a man mentioned in Greek mythology.
Range
Widespread wherever winters are mild. Individuals range quite widely into cold-winter areas during the warmer part of the year, even starting breeding colonies- but these colonies die out when really cold weather hits
Habitat
in among grasses and in open areas- quite common around lawns.
Season
Can be year-round, if the weather's mild enough- they keep having new broods until they weather gets too cold. In cooler areas they're seen from May-August
Food
The larvae feed on grasses, while the adults nectar on a wide variety of flowers.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on or around grasses. The caterpillars roll some of the grass into little shelters along the ground in among the grass, so they're rarely seen. After they pupate, the females wander around looking for suitable habitats, while the males stake out such places waiting for females to mate with.
See Also
Many species in the subfamily Hesperiinae are similar in overall colors and form, though differing in details of the color pattern.
Print References
Opler, pp. 365-366 & plate 35
(1)
