Croitana croites (Pale Sand-skipper)

Other Common Names

Croites Skipper

Notes

This species eluded me when I first went to Perth in 2008, but I was fortunate enough to find it in 2016. I saw several pale form specimens in one area at Quairading, whilst looking unsuccessfully for Mesodina hayi. The females were clearly larger than the males, flying relatively slowly and landing frequently. The smaller males zipped around at high speed, usually just a few inches off the ground, landing briefly before chasing each other in territorial disputes.

A few days later I briefly glimpsed one dark form individual at Port Kennedy; this has since been classified as a separate species named Croitana flavescens.

Sightings

Quairading (WA) – October 2016

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