Anna's Eighty-eight
Common NameAnna's Eighty-eight
Scientific NameDiaethria anna
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, blue, white, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America (Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama), occasional vagrants to southern Texas
Host PlantsPaullinia, Serjania
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; specific seasons in northern limits
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with small spines and two head horns. Pupae are green or brown, resembling a leaf or twig, and hang upside down.
Identification TipsThe unique '88' or '89' pattern on the underside of the hindwings is unmistakable and diagnostic. The iridescent blue band on the forewing upperside is also a key identifying feature.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with black uppersides featuring a brilliant metallic blue band across the forewings. The underside of the hindwings displays a distinctive black and white pattern resembling the number '88' or '89', often with red markings.
