Orange Daggerwing
Common NameOrange Daggerwing
Scientific NameMarpesia chiron
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCyrestinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (rarely), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsFicus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropics, May to November in northern parts of range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay eggs singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and feed on fig leaves, pupating into a chrysalis.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its vivid orange coloration with bold black stripes and the characteristic long, dagger-like tails on its hindwings.
Description
A striking butterfly with brilliant orange wings adorned with bold black stripes and elongated, pointed tails on the hindwings, resembling daggers.
