Learning Series: Lambrix Stellifer Butterfly

Lambrix Stellifer Butterfly: A Fascinating Skipper

With the recent butterfly infestation in California, people all over America are becoming interested more than ever to learn about the different species of butterflies in order to figure out if they need to be concerned about the fluttering beauties in their backyard.

Although it is not as colorful as the Painted Ladies that seem to have taken over the Western U.S, the Lambrix Stellifer butterfly is fascinating.

About the Lambrix Stellifer Butterfly

Lambrix Stellifer, commonly known as the Starry Bob, is a species of butterfly in the Hesperiidae family. It is also called the Malay Chestnut Bob because it is mainly found in the Malay Peninsula. Regions likes Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia as well as southern Burma, Borneo, and other nearby areas are home to large colonies of the Lambrix Stellifer butterfly.

Lambrix Stellifer are a type of skipper butterflies which means that they thrive on the leaves of different trees and shrubs as well as reeds. You might even spot them on a spread of low-lying grass feeding off its narrow greens. Much like the honeybees and many other butterflies, the Lambrix Stellifer also sucks nectar from flowers but what is more fascinating is the fact that they sometimes also lick mud to get minerals.  

The larvae, which are pale green and have a yellow head, specifically feed on bamboo trees. When matured, they emerge into small chestnut-brown colored butterflies that have a wingspan of about 25 mm. The Lambrix Stellifer butterfly is a forest insect and rarely seen in urban areas. So, it’s safe to say that for now, there’s no need to worry about these little brown beauties becoming an invasive species.