Starry Night Cracker | Hamadryas laodamia PUPAE

The Starry Night Cracker (Hamadryas laodamia) is a visually striking butterfly in the cracker butterfly group, celebrated for its beautiful wing patterns and unique behaviors. The wings are adorned with dark bluish-black hues covered in a constellation-like pattern of light blue or whitish spots, reminiscent of a starry night. The ventral side is deep brown and intricately mottled, resembling tree bark for camouflage.

Males produce a loud, cracking or snapping sound, primarily during territorial disputes or courtship, giving the cracker butterflies their name. Found in tropical and subtropical regions, its range spans from Mexico through Central America to parts of South America, this butterfly prefers forest edges, open woodlands, and areas with abundant host plants and rotting fruit for feeding. It is easy to care for and can be bred in captivity by providing suitable conditions.

Host plants: Dalechampia sp.

Difficulty: Straightforward (3/10)

Conditions: Warm room temperature & high humidity.

Lifecycle: Continually brooded; adults are long-lived.