Heliopetes laviana, the Laviana white-skipper or Laviana skipper, is a butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found from Argentina through Central America and northern Mexico to southern Texas. Strays can be found in southern Arizona and central and northern Texas. The habitat consists of edges of brushy areas, trails, roadsides, open woodland, thorn forest and streamsides.
 The wingspan is 35–42 mm. The upperside of the males is white with dark markings along the outer wing margins. Females have wider markings than males and also have grey wing bases. The underside of the hindwings has an olive-grey patch on the outer third which is sharply separated from the paler median area. The dark basal area contains a pale triangular patch. There are multiple generations per year in southern Texas. Adults feed on flower nectar.
 The larvae feed on the leaves of various mallows, including Sphaeralcea, Sida and Abutilon species. They live in a nest of folded leaves.

harmful

Heliopetes laviana is considered a tree pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, causing defoliation and potentially impacting the health and growth of the trees.

tree pest

Heliopetes laviana can be considered garden pests because their larvae feed on the leaves of garden plants, potentially causing damage and reducing the aesthetic appeal of the garden.

garden pest

Heliopetes laviana can be considered crop pests because their larvae have been observed feeding on the leaves of certain crop plants, which can lead to reduced crop yield and quality if left uncontrolled.

crop pest

Heliopetes laviana is considered a pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of trees, garden plants, and certain crops, causing damage and potentially impacting the health and productivity of these plants.

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What does laviana white-skipper eat?

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