Common Postman
Image: THOR (CC BY 2.0)
Common NameCommon Postman
Scientific NameHeliconius melpomene
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral and South America, from Mexico to Brazil
Host PlantsPassiflora spp. (passion vines)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on new growth of passion vines. Larvae are spiny and feed on the leaves, while pupae are cryptic. Adults are long-lived and unique among butterflies for feeding on pollen in addition to nectar.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its elongated wings and the specific orange and black pattern, which can vary geographically. Often forms Müllerian mimicry complexes with other unpalatable species like Heliconius erato.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with elongated wings, featuring a striking pattern of bright orange and black. The forewings are predominantly orange with black veins and spots, while the hindwings are black with an orange band or spots.
