Astarte eighty-eight
Common NameAstarte eighty-eight
Scientific NameDiaethria clymena
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, light blue, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral and South America, from Mexico to Argentina
Host PlantsTrema, Celtis
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and typically green. Pupae are camouflaged, often green or brown, and hang upside down.
Identification TipsThe unique '88' pattern on the underside of the hindwings is the most reliable identification feature. The red band on the forewing also helps distinguish it from similar species in the genus.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with black upperwings and a distinctive underside pattern of black, yellow, and light blue concentric rings on the hindwings that strongly resemble the number '88'. The forewings also feature a prominent red band near the apex.
