sistematini

Sistematini is a tribe of butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as skippers. The taxonomic status and circumscription of Sistematini have varied among classification schemes, with some systems placing the group within the subfamily Hesperiinae and others recognizing it as a distinct lineage within Hesperiidae.

Taxonomic history: The name Sistematini has been applied to several lineages of skippers and has been revised as phylogenetic analyses based on morphology and DNA sequences clarified relationships among genera. In modern systems, Sistematini is recognized as a coherent group by some authorities, though the exact composition differs among authors and new data continue to refine its boundaries.

Description: Members of Sistematini are typically small to medium-sized butterflies with robust bodies and fast, darting flight. Wing patterns range from relatively plain brown or orange to more elaborate markings in certain genera. Adults feed on nectar, and larvae feed on a variety of monocotyledonous plants, with host-plant associations varying among genera within the tribe.

Distribution and ecology: The tribe has a broad distribution in tropical and subtropical regions, with species recorded in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Habitats include open grasslands, forest edges, and disturbed areas. Some species are common in suitable habitats, while others are rare or poorly documented.

Conservation: Like many skipper groups, Sistematini species may be sensitive to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide exposure. Conservation assessments are incomplete, and knowledge of population trends is limited for many members of the tribe.