Zebra longwing

 

JPG -- species photo

 

The state butterfly for state of Florida is the zebra longwing or heliconian.  This beautiful butterfly is more common in the southern regions of Florida.  It has a slow wafting flight this easily recognized, however, when disturbed, this butterfly can fly quickly.  During the evening hours, many zebra longwings will congregate or roost together.

 

 

Zebra longwing   Heliconius charitonius tuckeri Comstock and Brown (Family: Nymphalidae)

Habitat: Hammocks and shrubby disturbed sites

Florida range: Throughout most of the state with the exception of the western panhandle

Larval host plants: Corky-Stemmed Passion-Flower (Passiflora suberosa); Maypop (Passiflora incarnata); Yellow Passion-Flower                  (Passiflora lutea)   

Flight: All year in south and central Florida, late summer months in the north

Occurrence:  Locally abundant

Link for more information: http://abacus.gene.ucl.ac.uk/jim/helicinf.htm

 

 

 

Back to Scrub and High Pine

Florida Arthropod Conservation