Diet

• The caterpillars feed on plants in the mulberry family (Moraceae).

• Adults visit flowers for nectar, including Cordia, Lantana and Croton, and may also take nutrients from damp ground and stream margins.

Range

• Marpesia chiron has a broad distribution extending from Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to South America as far south as Argentina.

• It occurs in Guerrero and is occasionally sighted in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• The Many-banded Daggerwing inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings and river valleys.

• It is particularly associated with areas where its Moraceae host trees grow, including forest margins and regenerating vegetation.

• Adults may be seen along forest trails, woodland openings and streams, where they can fly rapidly between patches of vegetation.

Description

• This is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of approximately 54–67 mm, although some sources give a range extending to about 72 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly dark brown with several broad, pale brown transverse bands and three conspicuous white spots near the forewing apex.

• The hindwings have a distinctive long, narrow, dagger-like tail, which gives the genus its common name.

• The underside is lighter brown and strongly patterned, with fine orange lines and a broad pale central band. The combination of the elongated tails and numerous transverse bands makes the species relatively distinctive.

• Males and females are generally similar in appearance.