Heliconius charithonia

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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.
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