Heliconius charithonia, commonly known as the zebra longwing butterfly, is a striking species found throughout Central and South America, as well as the southern United States and the Caribbean. It belongs to the Heliconiinae subfamily within the Nymphalidae family and is easily recognized by its elongated black wings with distinctive yellow or white stripes, giving it a zebra-like appearance. This unique pattern, combined with a slow, graceful flight, makes the zebra longwing butterfly a captivating sight in its native tropical habitats.
One of the most fascinating traits of Heliconius charithonia is its diet, as it is one of the few butterfly species that feeds on both nectar and pollen. By consuming pollen, it gains access to essential amino acids that significantly extend its lifespan to several months, far longer than most butterfly species. This nutrient-rich diet also enhances reproductive success, allowing the zebra longwing to lay more eggs over its lifetime.
The caterpillars of Heliconius charithonia feed primarily on passionflower vines (Passiflora species), which contain toxic compounds that the caterpillars retain through to adulthood. This makes the adult butterflies distasteful to predators, a form of chemical defense indicated by their bold coloration. With its intriguing behaviors, distinct appearance, and ecological importance, Heliconius charithonia is a widely studied and admired butterfly species.
Host plants: Passionvines (Passiflora)
Difficulty: Easy (2/10)
Conditions: Warm room temperature & high humidity.
Lifecycle: Continually brooded; adults are very long-lived.
