Zebra (Longwing) Heliconian

  • Family name: Nymphalidae/Brush-Footed Butterflies
  • General description: wings elongated; black with narrow yellow stripes. Ventral hindwing paler with small red basal spots.
  • Field Marks: black with narrow yellow stripes; wings elongate.
  • Sexes: appear similar
  • Wingspan: 75-86 mm
  • Life Cycle: Egg: yellow, elongate, laid in clusters on host leaves or tendrils Mature larva: white with black spots and numerous black branched spines Chrysalis: brown
  • Number of Generations: multiple
  • Flight Season: All
  • Abundance: Common
  • Habitat: woodlands, forest margins, shrubby sites, gardens, parks
  • Larval Host Plants: maypop (Passiflora incarnata), yellow passion flower (Passiflora lutea), corky-stemmed passion flower (Passiflora suberosa)
  • Similar Species: No similar species
  • Additional Information: state butterfly of Florida; adults long-lived, form small roosting aggregations at night; adults feed on nectar and pollen
  • Range in Florida

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