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Description
Udaspes folus
Grass Demon

Details
Family: Hesperiidae
Subfamily: Hesperiinae
Genus: Udaspes
Species: folus
Common Name: Grass Demon
Wingspan:
Forms:
Status in Singapore:
Life History: complete
This butterfly can be found in: •Singapore
Hostplant(s): Curcuma longa (Tumeric)

Description
The Grass Demon is a garden butterfly which appears to be relatively rare in Singapore. The species feeds on Turmeric (Curcuma domestica) - a member of the prolific ginger family. This plant, cultivated for its rhizomes and leaves which are used in Malaysian and Singaporean cooking, is now rarely seen in gardens. Even so, in urban areas where the plants are cultivated, it is likely that the widespread use of insecticides would render the environment unconducive for the survival of the butterfly species.

Habitat & Habits
Where observed, the Grass Demon is often seen singly at flowers in secondary growth. The wings are dark brown above with white spots. The underside is a rusty brown and patches of white. The species, like the majority of Hesperiidae, is a fast flyer and stops to rest in the typical Skipper fashion, with the hindwings opened flat and the forewings held at an angle.

ButterflyCircle

Description
Udaspes folus
Grass Demon

Details
Family: Hesperiidae
Subfamily: Hesperiinae
Genus: Udaspes
Species: folus
Common Name: Grass Demon
Wingspan:
Forms:
Status in Singapore:
Life History: complete
This butterfly can be found in: •Singapore
Hostplant(s): Curcuma longa (Tumeric)

Description
The Grass Demon is a garden butterfly which appears to be relatively rare in Singapore. The species feeds on Turmeric (Curcuma domestica) - a member of the prolific ginger family. This plant, cultivated for its rhizomes and leaves which are used in Malaysian and Singaporean cooking, is now rarely seen in gardens. Even so, in urban areas where the plants are cultivated, it is likely that the widespread use of insecticides would render the environment unconducive for the survival of the butterfly species.

Habitat & Habits
Where observed, the Grass Demon is often seen singly at flowers in secondary growth. The wings are dark brown above with white spots. The underside is a rusty brown and patches of white. The species, like the majority of Hesperiidae, is a fast flyer and stops to rest in the typical Skipper fashion, with the hindwings opened flat and the forewings held at an angle.

ButterflyCircle