description Eighty-eight Butterfly Overview
The Eighty-eight Butterfly is a Neotropical nymphalid insect belonging to the genus Diaethria. It is named for the distinctive black numeral pattern resembling an "88" or "89" on the undersides of its hindwings. These butterflies are found across Central and South America, typically inhabiting the edges of rainforests and riverbanks. They are known for their habit of mud-puddling, where they gather on wet soil, dung, or carrion to extract essential minerals and salts.
insights Ranking position
Eighty-eight Butterfly ranks #28 of 310 in the Butterfly ranking, behind Sulkowsky's Morpho, ahead of Blue Mormon.
help Eighty-eight Butterfly FAQ
Why is the Eighty-eight Butterfly named that?
The Eighty-eight Butterfly gets its common name from the distinctive black lines on the undersides of its hindwings that resemble the number '88'. Some species within the genus instead display markings that look like an '89' or '80'.
What taxonomic genus does the Eighty-eight Butterfly belong to?
The Eighty-eight Butterflies belong to the genus Diaethria. They are a part of the Nymphalidae family, which includes a wide variety of brightly patterned brush-footed butterflies.
Where can the Eighty-eight Butterfly be found in the wild?
These butterflies are native to the Neotropical region and are found across Central and South America. They typically inhabit tropical rainforests and cloud forests, often resting on tree trunks or feeding on the ground.
What do Eighty-eight Butterflies eat?
Adult Eighty-eight Butterflies frequently feed on fermenting fruit, tree sap, and nutrient-rich bird droppings. They are also known to seek out dissolved salts by drinking water from the edges of streams, a behavior called mud-puddling.
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