Ruddy Daggerwing (Marpesia petreus) is in the Brush-footed Butterflies family (Nymphalidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,425 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Ruddy Daggerwing: observations by month (U.S.)
About Ruddy Daggerwing
Marpesia petreus, the ruddy daggerwing, is a species of butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found in Brazil north through Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies to southern Florida. Strays are found as far north as Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and southern Texas.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Ruddy Daggerwing by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 2,130 | April | Mar–Oct |
| Texas | 286 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Arizona | 8 | August | Aug–Aug |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Brush-footed Butterflies)
Monarch
Gulf Fritillary
Common Buckeye
Red Admiral
Pearl Crescent
Painted Lady
American Lady
Variegated Fritillary
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Ruddy Daggerwing?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to January.
Where is Ruddy Daggerwing most often seen?
The most observations come from Florida, Texas, Arizona.