skippers are a family, the hesperiidae, of the lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). being diurnal, they are generally called butterflies. they were previously placed in a separate superfamily, hesperioidea; however, the most recent taxonomy places the family in the superfamily papilionoidea. they are named for their quick, darting flight habits. most have their antenna tips modified into narrow, hook-like projections. more than 3500 species of skippers are recognized, and they occur worldwide, but with the greatest diversity in the neotropical regions of central and south america.