Yellow-rimmed Eighty-eight
Common NameYellow-rimmed Eighty-eight
Scientific NameDiaethria clymena
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsblack, cream, blue, red
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico to Argentina)
Host PlantsSapium glandulosum, Sapium aucuparium
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay single eggs on the underside of host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green with spines and feed on Sapium species, undergoing several instars before pupating into a chrysalis.
Identification TipsThe most prominent identification feature is the '88' or '89' pattern on the underside of the hindwings, formed by cream and blue lines. The presence of a red band along the hindwing margin is also characteristic.
Description
This butterfly has dark brown to black wings with striking concentric cream and blue lines on the underside of the hindwings, forming a distinctive '88' or '89' pattern. A vibrant red band often adorns the outer margin of the hindwings.
