Ella's Garden Butterflies of The World: Zebra Longwing, Heliconius charithonia
Common Name: Zebra Longwing Genus: Heliconius Species: charithonia World Country Found: South America, Central America, West Indies, Mexico, South Texas and Peninsular Florida Identifying Characteristics of Male: Long, narrow black wings with narrow yellow stripes. Size of Wing Span 2 3/4"
3"
3 1/2"
3 3/4"
4"
Larvae Host Plants Other: Passiflora affinis, Passiflora lutea, Passiflora suberosa
Habitats Meadows
Fields
U.S.A Locations Found Flordia
Texas
|  (Image by plantladylin) [ Comment ] (Image by plantladylin) [ Comment ]
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Posted by plantladylin on Oct 5, 2010 8:02 PM CST:
The Zebra Longwing is the official state butterfly of Florida and is found here year round. At night, the Zebra Longwing roost communally in large groups of 25 or more, and return to the same location to roost each night. Adults feed on flower nectar of Verbena, Pentas and Lantana. They are the only known butterfly to feed on pollen, which apparently attributes to their long life span of approximately 6 months. |
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