Mexican Eighty-eight (Diaethria asteria [Godman & Salvin])
Wing span: 1 5/8 - 1 11/16 inches (4.1 - 4.3 cm).
Identification: Upperside is purple with a white spot at the tip of the forewing. Underside of hindwing is gray-white with a thin black-outlined "88."
Life history:
Flight: September in Mexico, July in South Texas.
Caterpillar hosts: Tropical plants in the elm and soapberry families.
Adult food: Rotting fruit, dung.
Habitat: Wet tropical forests.
Range: Southern Mexico and northern Central America. Has strayed to South Texas.
