Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Cuban Crescent
Anthanassa frisia (Poey, 1832)


Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
Identification: Forewing is indented below wing tip. Upperside of forewing is black with orange markings; hindwing with black zigzag submarginal line.
Wing Span: 1 1/4 - 1 3/4 inches (3.2 - 4.5 cm).
Life History: Eggs are laid in batches on underside of host plant leaves; caterpillars feed at night in groups.
Flight: Most of the year in southern Florida, throughout the year in the tropics.
Caterpillar Hosts: Shrimpflower (Beloperone guttata) in the acanthus family.
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Second growth and open fields.
Range: Resident of West Indies and southern Florida; strays to northern Florida.
Conservation: Not usually of concern.
NCGR: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL