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Julia Heliconian
Dryas iulia (Fabricius, 1775)
Attributes of Dryas iuliaFamily: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae) Subfamily: Longwings (Heliconiinae) Identification: Forewings elongate. Male bright orange above and below; upperside of hindwing with narrow black border on outer margin. Female duller orange, with more black markings above. Life history: Males patrol all day for receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on new growth; caterpillars feed on leaves. Adults forage along a set route of nectar sources each day in a behavior known as "trap-lining". Flight: Throughout the year in southern Florida and South Texas, strays to the north in summer. Wing span: 3 1/4 - 3 5/8 inches (8.2 - 9.2 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Passion-vines including Passiflora lutea in Texas. Adult food: Nectar from flowers including lantana and shepherd\'s needle; probably others. Habitat: Subtropical hammock openings and edges, and nearby fields. Range: Resident in Brazil north through Central America, Mexico, West Indies, peninsular Florida, and South Texas. Strays north to eastern Nebraska. Conservation: Not usually required, but habitat in South Texas is limited. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Dryas iulia
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