Clysonymus Longwing
Common NameClysonymus Longwing
Scientific NameHeliconius clysonymus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral America to northern South America (Mexico to Peru, Colombia, Ecuador)
Host PlantsPassiflora vitifolia, Passiflora ambigua
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on Passiflora vines, sequestering toxins that make both larvae and adults unpalatable. Adults are long-lived and uniquely feed on pollen to supplement nectar, providing amino acids for egg production.
Identification TipsKey features include black wings with a bright orange band on the hindwings and two distinct white patches on the forewings, one larger and triangular, the other smaller and more distal.
Description
This butterfly has predominantly black wings, featuring a striking broad orange band across the hindwings and prominent white patches on the forewings.
