Many-banded Daggerwing
Common NameMany-banded Daggerwing
Scientific NameMarpesia chiron
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCyrestinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsyellow, brown, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (stray), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsFicus, Artocarpus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropics; May to November in northern range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and feed on fig species. Pupae are camouflaged, resembling a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of many alternating dark and light stripes, combined with the long, pointed tails on the hindwings. The overall shape and fast, erratic flight are also key.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by numerous alternating dark brown and yellow-tan stripes across its wings, with prominent, long tails on the hindwings.
