Summary
Marpesia petreus, the ruddy daggerwing, is a species of butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found in Brazil north through Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies to southern Florida. Strays are found as far north as Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and southern Texas. The wingspan is 70–95 mm. It is found in many habitats such as tropical woodland and forests, hardwood hammocks, thickets, and subtropical swamps in Florida. The larvae feed on Ficus carica, Ficus pumila, and Ficus citrifolia. Adults feed on nectar from giant milkweed, Cordia, Casearia, Lantana, and Mikania.
Tags
harmless