Numata Longwing | Heliconius numata PUPAE

Heliconius numata, commonly known as the Numata Longwing, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae and the subfamily Heliconiinae. It is known for its striking coloration and mimicry, which is a characteristic feature of many species in the Heliconius genus. This butterfly is found in South America, specifically in the Amazon Basin and parts of the Andes foothills.

The Numata Longwing has a distinctive appearance with vibrant color patterns, which vary slightly depending on the region and environmental factors. The forewings are predominantly orange with black markings, while the hindwings are typically black with white or light-colored markings. These markings often give the butterfly a very bold and striking appearance, with some subspecies having more pronounced or more elaborate patterns than others. A notable characteristic of Heliconius numata is its mimicry of other, often toxic, butterfly species, which helps protect it from predators. The butterflies’ coloration and patterns mimic those of species that are distasteful or poisonous to predators, giving them a survival advantage. It has a moderate wingspan of approximately 5 to 7 cm, making it a medium-sized butterfly.

It typically inhabits shady, humid lowland rainforests and forest edges, where it can find its host plants and feeding sources. Heliconius numata is often observed flying at mid- to upper levels of the forest, where it feeds on nectar from various flowering plants. It is known for its swift flight and its tendency to frequent areas with abundant flowers, where it feeds on nectar. The butterflies are often seen in sunlit clearings or near flowering shrubs.

The larvae of Heliconius numata feed on plants from the Passifloraceae family, specifically various species of Passionflowers. These host plants are crucial for the survival of the caterpillars, and many species of Heliconius butterflies have a specialized relationship with them.

One of the most interesting aspects of Heliconius numata is its mimicry. The butterfly’s coloration and pattern mimic those of other species, such as Heliconius hecale and Heliconius ismenius, which are also toxic to predators. This co-mimicry provides a significant survival advantage, as predators that have had bad experiences with these distasteful butterflies will avoid attacking other butterflies that resemble them. 

Host plants: Passionvines (Passiflora)

Difficulty: Easy (2/10)

Conditions: Warm room temperature & high humidity.

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