Longwing butterflies, belonging to the subfamily Heliconiinae, are a group of vibrant and graceful butterflies primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. They are most commonly associated with the genera Heliconius and Dryas. Known for their elongated forewings, longwings exhibit striking patterns of black, orange, yellow, and white, often mimicking other toxic butterfly species to deter predators.
One of their most remarkable traits is their symbiotic relationship with passionflower plants (Passiflora), which serve as both their host plants and a source of chemical compounds that render the butterflies distasteful to predators. Female longwings lay their eggs on the leaves of passionflowers, and the caterpillars feed on the toxic foliage, retaining these compounds for protection throughout their lifecycle.
Longwings also display extraordinary longevity compared to most butterflies. While many butterfly species live for only a few weeks, adult longwings can survive for several months, thanks in part to their specialized diet of pollen in addition to nectar. This unique dietary adaptation provides them with essential amino acids and enhances their reproductive capabilities. It is therefore essential to provide adult butterflies with flowers to collect pollen from.
Their intricate mimicry patterns, extended lifespans, and ecological interactions make longwing butterflies an essential subject of study in evolutionary biology, pollination ecology, and conservation.
Species may include: Postman Butterfly (Heliconius melpomene); Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia); Leopard Lacewing (Cethosia cyane); Red Flame (Dryas julia); Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae); Juno Longwing (Dione juno).
Difficulty - Straightforward (3/10)
Host plants - Passionvines (various Passiflora.) All species included will feed on Passiflora caerulea, Blue Passionvine, which is the most readily available species - online and in garden centres.
Temperature - Warm room temperature or a greenhouse.
Lifecycle - Continually brooded; adults can live for many months.
