Eighty-eight Butterfly
Common NameEighty-eight Butterfly
Scientific NameDiaethria anna
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, blue, white
HabitatTropical rainforests, cloud forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral America (Mexico to Panama)
Host PlantsPaullinia, Serjania
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adults.
Identification TipsThe most unmistakable feature is the '88' or '89' pattern on the underside of the hindwings. The iridescent blue band on the dorsal forewing is also a key identifier.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black upperwings featuring a striking iridescent blue band on the forewings. The underside of the hindwings is black with intricate white or cream bands forming a distinctive '88' or '89' pattern.
