Heliconius charithonia
Zebra Longwing
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Heliconius
- Species: H. charithonia
Common Names
- Zebra Longwing
- Zebra Heliconian
Identification
- Wingspan: Approximately 72–100 mm (2.8–3.9 inches).
- Coloration: Black wings adorned with distinctive longitudinal yellow or white stripes, resembling a zebra pattern.
- Body: Slender black body featuring white or yellow spots.
Distribution
- Native Range: Southern United States, Central America, and parts of South America.
- Habitat: Prefers subtropical and tropical forests, edges, and gardens.
Behavior and Ecology
- Diet: Adults feed on nectar and pollen, primarily from Passiflora species. Larvae consume leaves of host plants.
- Reproduction: Females lay eggs singly or in small clusters on host plants. Caterpillars are white with black spots and spines.
- Lifespan: Adults can live several months, longer than many other butterfly species.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Not currently evaluated.
- Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation pose potential risks.
Interesting Facts
- Mimicry: Exhibits Müllerian mimicry, sharing warning coloration with other toxic species to deter predators.
- Toxicity: Sequesters toxins from host plants, making it unpalatable to predators.
Post Views: 9