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Mila'sExotic Plants & CuriositiesA living collection by Luminary OdditiesLuminary Oddities · Natural history & art
Urbanus proteus
Lepidoptera / Hesperiidae
Urbanus proteus is a brown skipper with long hindwing tails, pale forewing spots and green iridescent scales on both wings and body. Its caterpillar, the bean leafroller, makes silk-lined shelters in legume foliage.
Read the species account
Urbanus proteus belongs to the skipper family Hesperiidae. Bean leafroller names the caterpillar of the Long-tailed Skipper. [1]
Adults span approximately 50 mm. The upperwings are chocolate brown, the underside paler, and the hindwings extend into long tails. Five to seven pale rectangular forewing spots accompany green iridescent scaling on the wings and body. [1]
The species occurs from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean to Argentina. Seasonal movements extend its U.S. range beyond areas where it persists through winter. [1]
In southern Florida it breeds year-round. Larvae pass through five instars and pupate inside their leaf shelter. [1]
Larvae use legumes including beans, peas, soybeans, Desmodium and Clitoria. Adults drink nectar. [1]
Young caterpillars cut and fold a small leaf-edge flap, lining it with silk. Older larvae construct larger shelters, leaving them at night to feed. [1]
Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.
J. L. Capinera, University of Florida IFAS Extension · Accessed 2026-10-11
Sources checked 2026-10-11. Illustrations · Luminary Oddities.
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