Dorantes Longtail (Cecropterus dorantes) is in the Skippers family (Hesperiidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,838 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in November.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Dorantes Longtail: observations by month (U.S.)
About Dorantes Longtail
Cecropterus dorantes, the lilac-banded longtail or Dorantes longtail, is a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found from Argentina, north through Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies to southern Texas and peninsular Florida. Strays can be found as far north as northern California, southern Arizona, southern Missouri and North Carolina.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Dorantes Longtail by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 2,637 | November | Aug–Jan |
| Texas | 1,714 | November | Oct–Dec |
| Arizona | 425 | September | Aug–Oct |
| Georgia | 30 | November | Sep–Nov |
| Louisiana | 16 | October | Oct–Oct |
| California | 5 | April | Apr–May |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Skippers)
Fiery Skipper
Silver-spotted Skipper
Huron Skipper
Zabulon Skipper
Peck's Skipper
Horace's Duskywing
Clouded Skipper
Long-tailed Skipper
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Dorantes Longtail?
Nationally, November has the most observations, with the main season from September to December.
Where is Dorantes Longtail most often seen?
The most observations come from Florida, Texas, Arizona.