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