Tiger Longwing | Heliconius hecale PUPAE

Heliconius hecale, commonly known as the tiger longwing or Hecale longwing, is a striking butterfly native to Central and South America. Part of the Heliconiinae subfamily within the Nymphalidae family, this butterfly is known for its bold and contrasting orange, black, and yellow coloration, which serves as a warning to predators about its toxicity. Like other Heliconius species, its colors are part of a Müllerian mimicry system, where it shares similar warning patterns with other toxic butterflies, enhancing the effectiveness of its defense mechanism.

With a wingspan of about 70–80 mm, Heliconius hecale is medium-sized and displays long, narrow wings, ideal for its slow, graceful flight. This butterfly thrives in warm, tropical forests and gardens and is often found near its host plants in the Passiflora genus. Heliconius hecale caterpillars feed on these passionflower vines, ingesting toxic compounds from the plants that make both the larvae and adult butterflies unpalatable to predators.

In addition to feeding on nectar, Heliconius hecale is one of the few butterfly species that also consumes pollen. This behavior provides them with essential amino acids, extending their lifespan to several months and allowing them to reproduce over an extended period. This unique trait, along with its role in pollination, makes Heliconius hecale an important species in maintaining biodiversity in tropical ecosystems. Its striking colors, fascinating feeding habits, and ecological role make it a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Host plants: Passionvines (Passiflora)

Difficulty: Easy (2/10)

Conditions: Warm room temperature; pupae require humidity.

Lifecycle: Continually brooded with adults living for months.