Zebra Heliconian Heliconius charithonia (Linnaeus, 1767)

Family: Nymphalidae

Subfamily: Heliconiinae

Identification: Wings long and narrow; black with narrow yellow stripes.

Wing Span: 2 3/4 - 4 inches (7 - 10.1 cm).

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.

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.

NCGR: 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.

Comments: NULL

Taxonomy Notes: Also called the Zebra Longwing.

Alternate Scientific Names:

Heliconius charithonius

Heliconius charitonius

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