Bescke's Longwing
Common NameBescke's Longwing
Scientific NameHeliconius besckei
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white, red
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Brazil
Host PlantsPassiflora spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on Passiflora tendrils or young leaves. Larvae are spiny and feed on the host plant, while pupae are often cryptic. Adults are unique in their ability to collect and digest pollen, which extends their lifespan.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific combination of a broad reddish-orange band on the forewing and a white to pale green band on the hindwing, set against a black background. Red markings at the wing bases are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with long, narrow black wings featuring a prominent reddish-orange band on the forewing and a distinct white or pale green band on the hindwing. Red markings are present at the base of the wings and on the thorax.
