Many-banded Daggerwing (Marpesia chiron [Fabricius])
Wing span: 2 1/8 - 2 5/8 inches (5.4 - 6.7 cm).
Identification: Hindwing has a long dagger-like tail. Upperside is dark brown with 3 pale brown stripes and 3 white spots near the tip of the forewing. Underside is light brown; basal half is gray with thin orange stripes.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on buds of the host plants. Caterpillars eat leaves and make a resting platform with silk and dung pellets.
Flight: May-December in Mexico, probably all year in Central America, February and July-October in South Texas.
Caterpillar hosts: Leaves of shrubs and trees in the fig family (Moraceae).
Adult food: Nectar from Cordia, Lantana, and Croton.
Habitat: Tropical forests, openings, and river valleys.
Range: Argentina north through Central America to Mexico and the West Indies. A frequent stray to South Texas; rarely strays to Kansas and southern Florida.
