Zebra Longwing
ExploreInsects
Zebra Longwing
Heliconius charithonia
The Zebra Longwing is a beautiful butterfly with black and yellow stripes. It flutters around gardens and forests, sipping nectar from flowers. These butterflies are fun to watch as they dance in the air!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Zebra Longwing has long, narrow black wings covered with bright yellow stripes and small spots. Its slender body is also black, making its distinct pattern stand out against green foliage. This striking appearance makes it easily recognizable.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusHeliconius
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Male Zebra Longwings have a special scent that helps them find their mates.
Their caterpillars are spiky and white, looking totally different from the adult butterfly!
Zebra Longwings "sleep" together in groups every night on the same branches!
Zebra Longwings can fly year-round in warm climates, unlike many other butterflies!
Special abilities
Ability
Pollen Power
Zebra Longwing can digest pollen because it provides extra nutrients for a super long life.
Ability
Social Sleeper
Zebra Longwing can roost in large groups at night, which helps them stay safe and warm.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 70-100 mm
- Size
- 30-40 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-180 days
- Flight Speed
- 5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These butterflies sip nectar and even eat pollen to fuel their long lives!
Age differences: Larvae feed on passion flower leaves, while adults drink nectar and pollen.
Primary Foods
- Flower nectar
- Pollen
- Fruit juice
- Water
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Passion Flower
Passiflora incarnata
Provides food for caterpillars and egg-laying sites.
pollinates
Mexican Cucumber Vine
Psiguria mexicana
Adults collect pollen and nectar, helping the plant reproduce.
eaten by
Green Anole
Anolis carolinensis
These small lizards may attempt to prey on the butterflies.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Zebra Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but don't try to catch them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zebra Longwing's wingspan?
70-100 mm
How big is Zebra Longwing?
30-40 mm
How long does Zebra Longwing live?
30-180 days
How fast can Zebra Longwing fly?
5 km/h
What does Zebra Longwing eat?
These butterflies sip nectar and even eat pollen to fuel their long lives!
Where is Zebra Longwing usually found?
Forests
How does Zebra Longwing hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Zebra Longwing have?
6
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