Nymphalidae : Cyrestinae
Marpesia chiron (Fabricius, 1775)
Many-banded Daggerwing
Marpesia chiron (Fabricius, 1775)
Many-banded Daggerwing
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 52-72mm. Sexes similar. The many lines, long tails and dull brown colouration of the wings are diagnostic. Caribbean Daggerwing Marpesia eleuchea has orange upperwings and a more unicolorous underside that lacks the central white stripe of M. chiron.
Range: Southern Texas south to Argentina and much of the West Indies.
Status: Widespread and not uncommon in Cuba in woodland rides, edges and cleared areas.
Nectar Plants: Tournefortia, Cordia, Ageratum, Croton, Chromolaena odorata, Lantana and also on damp ground and stream edges.
Larval Foodplants: Eggs are laid singly on buds of the the foodplant, various genera in the family Moraceae eg Ficus, Chlorophora tinctoria and Brosimum alicastrum.
Range: Southern Texas south to Argentina and much of the West Indies.
Status: Widespread and not uncommon in Cuba in woodland rides, edges and cleared areas.
Nectar Plants: Tournefortia, Cordia, Ageratum, Croton, Chromolaena odorata, Lantana and also on damp ground and stream edges.
Larval Foodplants: Eggs are laid singly on buds of the the foodplant, various genera in the family Moraceae eg Ficus, Chlorophora tinctoria and Brosimum alicastrum.
Foodplants and Habitat