Heliconius charitonius
Family: Heliconidae
The Zebra Longwing butterfly is found year-round in the Southern U.S. from Florida to Texas, and during the summers extends it's range along the Atlantic coast to North Carolina. It is easy to identify because of the long black wings with yellow stripes, thin abdomen and long antennae. The wing pattern with bright yellow stripes warns predators of its nauseating taste. The female will lay her eggs on passion vine (Passiflora spp.) where the larvae will feed in groups. The chrysalis is brown and resembles a dead leaf. The adult may live up to four months and feeds entirely on the nectar of passion flowers. The Zebra Longwing prefers shady habitats and is commonly found along forest edges and shady gardens. The butterfly roosts at night in a flock and returns to the same roost each night.
Suzanne Walter & Jason Horton
ENT 301; Fall 2000
