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Ruddy daggerwing

Ruddy daggerwing

Marpesia petreus

A species of Daggerwings

The wingspan is 7 - 10 cm.

General Info About Ruddy daggerwing
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Attributes of Ruddy daggerwing
Colors
Brown
Red
Orange
Habitat
forest and edge; hardwood hammock
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, ripe fruit, tree sap, bird droppings, wet mud for minerals
Larva Food Source
Various species of cecropia, trophis racemosa, poulsenia armata
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Ruddy daggerwing feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Ruddy daggerwing
Egg Laid on host plants, the eggs of ruddy daggerwing are tiny and round. They possess a protective outer layer and can vary in color. Encased within, the embryonic ruddy daggerwing undergoes initial development.
Larva After hatching, the larva of ruddy daggerwing appears worm-like and has a voracious appetite. It molts multiple times, significantly increasing in size. The coloration can change with each molt, often for camouflage.
Pupal Transitioning within a chrysalis, the pupal stage involves reorganization of ruddy daggerwing tissues. This immobile phase is crucial, as the larval form is broken down and reformed into the adult.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult ruddy daggerwing features wings and the ability to reproduce. Sporting vibrant colors and patterns, the adult seeks nectar and mates. The life cycle focuses on species continuation.
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Adult Size of Ruddy daggerwing
7 - 10 cm
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Predators of Ruddy daggerwing Larvae
Birds, rodents, insects such as ants and wasps
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Predators of Adult Ruddy daggerwing
Birds, spiders, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Ruddy daggerwing
Unlike other butterflies, ruddy daggerwing uses its angular wings for camouflage among dry leaves, rendering it nearly invisible while at rest in forested habitats.
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Scientific Classification of Ruddy daggerwing
Tips for Finding Ruddy daggerwing
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How Can You Attract Ruddy daggerwing
Since ruddy daggerwing is a butterfly, it would be attracted to food sources such as nectar from flowers. Setting up a garden with a variety of nectar-rich plants can serve as an effective trap to observe or catch ruddy daggerwing.
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Habitat Preferences of Ruddy daggerwing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of ruddy daggerwing are typically laid on the undersides of host leaves, often those of diversified woody plants, where they remain hidden from predators. Once hatched, the caterpillars can be found voraciously feeding on the leaves, particularly enjoying regions with dense, lush foliage. Pupae are typically more concealed, hanging under twigs or leaves in slightly more developed areas of the host plants that provide cover and camouflage. Adult ruddy daggerwing, with their striking wing patterns, predominantly flutter around flowering gardens, wooded areas, and sometimes moist environments where nectar sources are abundant. If searching for these stages, start from dense foliaged host plants for eggs and caterpillars, then progress to slightly drier areas with dense foliage for pupae, and finally flowering or wooded areas for the adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Ruddy daggerwing
The best time to find adult ruddy daggerwing is during sunny days and usually in the morning when they are most active and seeking nectar. The larvae and pupae can be found throughout their stages in the host plants they feed on.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Ruddy daggerwing
Warm and dry weather is most suitable for finding ruddy daggerwing since they are cold-blooded and rely on external heat sources to become active. Rain can make butterflies less active or take shelter.
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How and Where Can You Find Ruddy daggerwing at Different Life Stages
Egg Ruddy daggerwing eggs are typically laid on the underside of host plants. To find them, carefully inspect the leaves of known host plants, especially focusing on the undersides where the eggs may be hidden.
Larva Ruddy daggerwing larvae, or caterpillars, can be found feeding on host plants. Search for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves, and look for the caterpillars themselves on the leaves or stems of the plants.
Pupal Ruddy daggerwing pupae can be tricky to spot as they often blend in with their surroundings. Look for them attached to twigs, leaves, or even the trunks of trees, where they remain immobile as they undergo metamorphosis.
Adult Adult ruddy daggerwing will be seeking nectar, so search in areas with abundant flowers. They are most active in sunny conditions, so gardens, meadows, and fields are good places to explore on sunny days.
Are Ruddy daggerwing harmful?
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Usually, the ruddy daggerwing won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Ruddy daggerwing harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Ruddy daggerwing
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Ruddy daggerwing is an avid visitor of flowers, fluttering from bloom to bloom. Its primary attraction to flowers is through visual cues such as bright colors and distinctive shapes. While primarily seeking nectar, ruddy daggerwing inadvertently collects and transfers pollen among plants, contributing to pollination. The intricate relationship between ruddy daggerwing and flowers is a mesmerizing dance vital to many ecosystems.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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