eluina eighty-eight
Common Nameeluina eighty-eight
Scientific NameDiaethria eluina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico south to Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia)
Host PlantsSerjania, Paullinia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike all butterflies, it undergoes complete metamorphosis, starting as an egg, developing into a caterpillar (larva) that feeds on host plants, then forming a chrysalis (pupa), and finally emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsThe most striking identification feature is the '88' pattern on the underside of the hindwings. The bright red band on the underside of the forewing helps distinguish it from other 'Eighty-eight' species.
Description
This butterfly has a distinctive underside pattern. The hindwing underside is pale greyish-white with two prominent black concentric circles resembling the number '88'. The forewing underside is black with a vibrant red band across the middle.
