Pelopidas mathias, the dark small-branded swift, small branded swift, lesser millet skipper or black branded swift, is a butterfly belonging to the family Hesperiidae. It is found throughout much of south, southeast and East Asia, and as far as the Philippines. It is also present in tropical Africa and Arabia.

In 1891, Edward Yerbury Watson described it as: "Male. Upperside olive brown: forewing with two small yellowish semi-transparent spots within end of cell, three before the apex, and in the male three oblique discal spots followed by a dark-bordered slender straight impressed glandular streak: hindwing with one or two very indistinct pale discal spots. Female with five discal spots in the forewing, and four or five in the hindwing. Underside paler ; markings more distinct; hindwing also with a spot at upper end of the cell. Expanse 1.6 inch. (Moore)"

Description

P. mathias is considered a pest to rice-growing cultures, although it is not as damaging to rice plants as Parnara guttata. Newly hatched caterpillars are especially voracious in eating young seedlings. They also use silken threads to roll up and stitch together partially eaten leaves for more efficient consumption.

Role in agriculture

harmful

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Pelopidas mathias are considered tree pests because their larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, causing damage to the foliage and potentially impacting the overall health and growth of the trees.

tree pest

Pelopidas mathias can be considered garden pests because their larvae feed on the leaves of various garden plants, potentially causing damage and impacting the aesthetic appeal and health of the plants in the garden.

garden pest

Pelopidas mathias can be considered crop pests because their larvae feed on the leaves of various crop plants, potentially causing damage and reducing the yield and quality of the crops.

crop pest

Pelopidas mathias are considered pests because their larvae feed on the leaves of trees, garden plants, and crops, causing damage and potentially impacting the health and productivity of these plants.

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What does small branded swift eat?

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