Waiter daggerwing

Naming

Two subspecies are recognized:

⤷  ''Marpesia zerynthia zerynthia'' – Brazil: Bahia
⤷  ''Marpesia zerynthia dentigera'' – Texas to Colombia, Peru, and possibly Ecuador

Distribution

The distribution of ''Marpesia zerynthia'' is limited to the Neotropical realm. More specifically, it is known to occur in the South American countries of Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and northern Brazil. It also occurs in Mesoamerica, including central Mexico, and vagrants may rarely be observed as far north as Texas, United States. This species inhabits tropical deciduous and evergreen forests, and may be observed in openings. ''Marpesia zerynthia'' occurs at altitudes up to 2,400 m. It is generally a cloud-forest species, and so it is most common between approximately 800 to 1,800 m.

Behavior

For a key to the terms used, see :Glossary of entomology terms.''Marpesia zerynthia'' is typically encountered as small groups of approximately six to twelve males, which are attracted to wet sand and mud to drink from the moisture, rich in minerals. Particularly favored feeding locations are shallow fords in streams or along mountain roads. During hot weather the butterflies flutter constantly and feed with wings erect or partially open. When the conditions are cooler they hold their wings completely outspread for insolation, making it possible to observe the dark brown coloration of the ventral surface of the wings. Adults fly quickly and nimbly, and are often known to perch together in small groups under leaves. In Mexico they usually fly from May to November, or July to October in South Texas. Nutrition is obtained from the nectar of ''Cordia'' and ''Croton'', and from excrement and various other non-floral sources. Females are more elusive, rarely descending from the forest canopy. In overcast weather however, they are sometimes known to settle on lower foliage in the forest.

Reproduction

After eclosion, the young caterpillar is generally cylindrical, lacking in ornamentation on the head or body. The head capsule is lustrous black, and the remainder of the body is a transparent pale green color. The mature caterpillar is quite colorful, usually marked with yellow and/or red stripes and spots. A single row of unbranched spines runs along the back. The head is decorated with a pair of very long spines. The larvae feed on leaves of the plant on which they were laid. The larvae rest on the upper surface of the foliage, and feed diurnally. They are indiscriminately intolerant of the presence of any intruder, even of other larvae of the same species. As a defense mechanism, when disturbed the larva will violently move its spiny head from one side to the other until the disturbance ceases.