Ruddy Daggerwing

Identification of Ruddy Daggerwing--tip of forewing is elongated, hindwing has long dagger-like tails. Upperside is orange with 3 thin black lines. Underside is mottled brown and black, resembling a dead leaf. Like the adult form, their primary colors are orange and black. Their host plants are in the Ficus family.  These caterpillars were found and raised on Strangler Fig, Ficus aurea. Eggs are laid near the edge of a leaf.

The caterpillar (larva) hatches, starts to eat the edge of the leaf, and makes a line of frass upon which it rests while not eating. Strangler fig leaves 'bleed' white sap when broken. Ruddy Daggerwing is fairly common in southern Florida and from Mexico to South America. Strays from the Mexican population have been seen as far north as Nebraska.

Ruddy Daggerwing in habitats--tropical lowland forests and edges; hardwood hammocks. Below they more resemble a dead leaf, though a very nattily attired one, with the lower half of the body bright white and a lavender sheen to the wings when fresh.

Posted in: Nymphalidae,R,Ruddy Daggerwing