North American Butterflies and Moths List

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U.S. Geological Survey


Butterflies of North America

Waiter Daggerwing (Marpesia coresia (=zerynthia))

Waiter Daggerwing (Marpesia coresia [Godart])

Wing span: 2 3/4 - 3 1/8 inches (7 - 8.1 cm).

Identification: Hindwing has a long dagger-like tail. Upperside is brown-black with lighter margins. Underside of both wings with a white inner half and a dark brown outer half.

Life history: Adults are swift and nimble fliers, and often roost together in small groups under leaves.

Flight: Many flights in Mexico from May-November, July and October in South Texas.

Caterpillar hosts: Leaves of trees in the fig family (Moraceae).

Adult food: Nectar from Cordia and Croton, dung, and other non-floral resources.

Habitat: Tropical forests and openings.

Range: Brazil north through Central America to central Mexico. A rare stay to South Texas.

Conservation: Not required for a rare tropical stray.

Management needs: None reported.

References:


DeVries, P. J. 1987. The butterflies of Costa Rica and their natural history. 

     Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae. Princeton University Press, Princeton, 

     New Jersey. 327 pages,50 color plates.



Opler, P. A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A field guide to eastern butterflies. Peterson 

     field guide #4. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston. 396 pages, 48 color plates.



Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, 

     Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.

Author: Jane M. Struttmann

Waiter Daggerwing (Marpesia coresia (=zerynthia))
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