Also known as the 88 or the 89 butterfly depending on the number appearing on the ventral sides of the wings.
They are called "Numberwings" because of the markings on the ventral side (underside) of their wings, which often appear to be the numbers 88 or 89.
The Numberwing caterpillars eat the leaves of the (Sapindacae ) soapberry trees.
As adult butterflies, they will drink animal urine from the ground, and often land on the arms and legs of humans to drink their sweat.
* Males are often seen along sand banks, sipping minerals from the urine soaked ground. (Both urine and sweat are high in important salts and minerals.)
The Numberwings dorsal wing coloration is thought to warn predators not to eat them, as they have a very unpleasant taste.
The adult Numberwings are most often encountered as sole individuals whose flight is rapid and powerful over short distances.
Avg. Wingspan: 8.9 - 10.2 cm / 3 1/2 - 4 "
Diet: caterpillars eat the leaves of soapberry trees
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta, Order: Lepidoptera
* There are approximately twenty species of Numberwing butterflies.
* Being Brush-footed butterflies, Numberwings have a short pair of fore legs that are used to taste food, and two pairs of longer rear legs that are used for propulsion.
* These butterflies are considered endangered, because they are killed in huge numbers for their wings, which are used to produce decorative items such as plates, jewelry and place mats for the souvenir trade.
The single biggest threat to butterfly survival is habitat destruction!!
