Crethon Daggerwing
Common NameCrethon Daggerwing
Scientific NameMarpesia crethon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico to Brazil and Argentina
Host PlantsFicus spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on fig (Ficus) leaves, pupating into a chrysalis before emerging as the adult butterfly.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark brown and white striped pattern, white forewing spots, and most notably, the very long, slender, pointed 'dagger-like' tails on the hindwings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring prominent diagonal white bands across both forewings and hindwings, and a series of white spots near the forewing apex.
