MAY: Passionvine Butterfly EGGS

This is a random selection from the Passiflora plants in the butterfly house. It may include various Heliconius species, such as melpomene and charithonia, others such as Dryas julia and Cethosia cyane.

Heliconius butterflies, collectively known as Longwing butterflies, are a fascinating and diverse group found primarily in the tropical regions of the Americas. They are celebrated and studies for their striking colors, intricate wing patterns, and intriguing behaviors. One of their remarkable features is their association with toxic host plants, particularly passionflowers, which makes them unpalatable to predators. Heliconius butterflies have evolved to resemble each other and other toxic species in appearance, exhibiting a phenomenon called Müllerian mimicry, where multiple toxic species converge on similar warning signals. These butterflies are known for their long lifespans, often several months, allowing them to engage in complex courtship rituals and communal roosting. They play essential roles in pollination and are emblematic of the rich biodiversity and coevolutionary relationships within tropical rainforests.