Nymphalidae : Charaxinae
Hypna clytemnestra (Herrich-Schäffer, 1862)
Silver-studded Leafwing
Hypna clytemnestra (Herrich-Schäffer, 1862)
Silver-studded Leafwing
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 80-110mm. Sexes similar but females are larger. The large size with 'tails', falcate tips to the forewings with a wide yellow band across the forewing make this an unmistakable species.
Range: Mexico south to Brazil with widely differing forms that are currently split into eight subspecies. The subspecies iphigenia is endemic to Cuba.
Status: It is rare in Cuba though commonest in the east near the coast where it is usually seen flying high in the forest canopy. In the past it has been known for its very occasional mass migrations (Smith et al.).
Nectar Plants: Not known to take nectar but often uses rotting fruit.
Larval Foodplants: Unknown in Cuba but on the mainland larvae are known to feed on Croton floribundus (Euphorbiaceae)..
Range: Mexico south to Brazil with widely differing forms that are currently split into eight subspecies. The subspecies iphigenia is endemic to Cuba.
Status: It is rare in Cuba though commonest in the east near the coast where it is usually seen flying high in the forest canopy. In the past it has been known for its very occasional mass migrations (Smith et al.).
Nectar Plants: Not known to take nectar but often uses rotting fruit.
Larval Foodplants: Unknown in Cuba but on the mainland larvae are known to feed on Croton floribundus (Euphorbiaceae)..
