zebra longwing
Insecta (Hexapoda) > Lepidoptera > Heliconiidae
Heliconius charitonius (Linnaeus)
Photographer: Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service
Descriptor: Adult(s)

Image Citation:
Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service, www.forestryimages.org
Image Use:
This image may be copied and used, in whole or in part, for any non-profit, educational purpose provided that all reproductions bear an appropriate credit. Any commercial or other use of the image requires the written permission of the photographer or contact organization, and Forestry Images.


Comments
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The zebra longwing or zebra heliconian (Heliconius charithonia) is a species of butterfly belonging to the subfamily Heliconiinae of the family Nymphalidae. The boldly striped black and white wing pattern of this butterfly is aposematic, warning off predators. Heliconius charithonia is found in South America, Central America, the West Indies, Mexico, south Texas and peninsular Florida. Adults sometimes migrate north to New Mexico, South Carolina, and Nebraska during the warmer months.
Order: Lepidoptera > Family: Nymphalidae > Genus: Heliconius > Species: Heliconius charithonia