Spot-banded Daggerwing
Common NameSpot-banded Daggerwing
Scientific NameMarpesia chiron
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyApaturinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouthern North America (southern Texas, Florida), Central America, South America (Mexico to Argentina)
Host PlantsFicus carica, Ficus citrifolia, Ficus aurea, Ficus insipida, Ficus pertusa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; March to November in temperate parts of its range
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host plants, primarily fig species. Larvae are spiny and often cryptically colored, while pupae are typically suspended by a cremaster.
Identification TipsKey features include the brown coloration, the band of white spots on the forewings, and the prominent, dagger-like tails on the hindwings, all overlaid with fine, wavy transverse lines.
Description
A medium-sized brown butterfly with distinctive long, pointed tails on the hindwings. The forewings feature a band of white spots near the apex, and both wings are adorned with numerous fine, wavy, dark brown transverse lines.
