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Zebra Heliconian
Heliconius charithonia (Linnaeus, 1767)
Attributes of Heliconius charithoniaFamily: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae) Subfamily: Longwings (Heliconiinae) Identification: Wings long and narrow; black with narrow yellow stripes. Life history: Males patrol for females, and are also attracted to female chrysalids. A male will wait on the chrysalis and mate with the female as she is about to emerge. He then deposits on her abdomen a chemical than repels other males. Eggs are laid in groups of 5-15 on leaf buds or leaves of the host plant; caterpillars feed at night on leaves. Adults roost communally in groups of 25-30 individuals. Flight: All year in South Texas and southern Florida, wanders north during warmer months. Wing span: 2 3/4 - 4 inches (7 - 10.1 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Passion-vines including Passiflora suberosa, P. lutea, and P. affinis. Adult food: Flower nectar and pollen, which are gathered on a set foraging route or "trap-line". Favorite plants include lantana and shepherd's needle. Habitat: Tropical hammocks, moist forests, edges, fields. Range: South America north through Central America, West Indies, and Mexico to South Texas and peninsular Florida. Occasional immigrant north to New Mexico, Nebraska, and South Carolina. Conservation: Not usually required, but habitat for permanent populations is limited in South Texas. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: Maintain habitat and host plant colonies. | Documented Records for Heliconius charithonia
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