Mayan crescent
Common NameMayan crescent
Scientific NameAnthanassa frisia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Texas, Florida), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsRuellia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; spring to fall in northern parts of its range
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike other butterflies, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar) feeding on host plants, pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dark wings with a broad white band on the forewing and white spots. The underside often features a more complex pattern of brown, orange, and white markings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings, characterized by a prominent white band across the forewing and several white spots on the forewing apex and hindwing.
