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Tiger Longwing (Heliconius hecale)


 

Tiger LongwingFamily: Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies).
 
Geographic Distribution: North, Central and South America. Mexico to Peruvian Amazon.
 
Wingspan: 42-50 mm (1.65-2 in).
 
Larval host plants: Passion vines (Passifloraceae).
 
Habitats: Widely distributed in almost all habitats.
 
Identification: Heliconius spp. butterflies are recognized by large eyes, long antennae, elongated forewing shape, long slender abdomen and distictive color patterns. Distinguished from other Heliconius spp. butterflies by a rounded forewing apex. This species is highly variable, from yellow and black hindwing bands to differnces in the number and color of forewing spots, some being almost entirely black.
 

Tiger Longwing
Tiger Longwing