Doris Longwing
Common NameDoris Longwing
Scientific NameHeliconius doris
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsblack, iridescent blue-green, white
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouthern Mexico through Central America to the Amazon basin in South America
Host PlantsPassiflora vitifolia, Passiflora ambigua, other Passiflora species
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay single eggs on young tendrils or leaves of passionflower vines. The larvae are spiky and feed on the host plant, while adults are long-lived and unique among butterflies for feeding on pollen, which supplements their nectar diet and aids in egg production.
Identification TipsKey features include the black wings with prominent white or cream spots on the forewings and the striking iridescent blue-green hindwing patch, which is segmented by black veins. Note that *Heliconius doris* exhibits several color forms, with the blue-green form being one of the most common.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with predominantly black wings, featuring distinct white or cream patches on the forewings and a large, iridescent blue-green patch on the hindwings, traversed by black veins.
