Cydno Longwing Butterfly (Heliconius cydno) | PUPAE

Our care guide for Longwings can be found here.

Heliconius cydno, commonly known as the Cydno Longwing, is a butterfly in the Nymphalidae family that has often been the subject studies of mimicry and speciation. It is native to Central and South America, inhabiting tropical forests and forest edges where its host Passionvine plants and specialist nectar plants thrive. Adult Heliconius cydno butterflies exhibit striking wing patterns that vary geographically. Typically, they have deep metallic blue-black wings with white or cream bands and spots, complemented by touches of orange or red on the forewings in some populations. Their bright coloration serves as a warning signal to predators, as these butterflies are unpalatable due to the toxins they acquire from their larval host plants. Heliconius cydno is known to use various Passiflora hosts in nature, but will breed readily using P. caerulea in captivity. 

H. cydno is found in tropical rainforests from Mexico to the Amazon basin, preferring elevations ranging from lowlands to mid-montane regions. Throughout its range, it shares overlapping habitats with closely related species, including Heliconius melpomene, The Postman. Research has determined that cydno is descended from melpomene, however their differing colour forms prevent cross-breeding as males only recognise their own species' colouration as potential mates (other researchers have maintained populations of both species alongside each other for years without interbreeding occurring).

These butterflies are slow, graceful fliers and spend much of their time foraging for nectar from flowers or feeding on pollen, a rare behavior among butterflies that enhances their lifespan and reproductive success. In Heliconius butterflies, the brain region responsible for memory and learning is significantly larger (3-4 times) compared to other butterflies - this enhancement allows them to follow consistent 'traplines' and to remember the location of pollen-producing plants. The digestion of amino acids from pollen allows these species to live for six months or more without hibernation by providing another source of nutrition. They also engage in territorial behaviors and courtship displays. 

Host plants: Passionvines (Passiflora).

Difficulty: Easy (2/10)

Conditions: Warm room temperature & high humidity.

Lifecycle: Continually brooded; adults are very long-lived.