Britannica AI Icon

Hesperioidea

insect superfamily

Quick Summary

The Hesperioidea is a superfamily of insects in the order Lepidoptera, commonly known as skippers. They are considered an intermediate form between butterflies and moths.1

Key characteristics of Hesperioidea include:
* Flight: They are known for their fast, darting flight, with adults capable of reaching speeds up to 30 km (20 miles) per hour.1
* Antennae: Their antennae are clubbed, similar to butterflies, but often end in a slender, hooked tip.12
* Body: The head and stout body tend to resemble those of a moth.1
* Wing Position: When at rest, most skippers hold their forewings vertically, like butterflies.1
* Larvae: Skipper larvae feed on plants such as legumes and grasses, typically living within folded or rolled leaves.1
* Diversity: The superfamily includes approximately 3,500 species worldwide and is sometimes divided into families like Hesperiidae, Euschemonidae, and Megathymidae.134

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.