Eleuchia Longwing
Common NameEleuchia Longwing
Scientific NameHeliconius eleuchia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, white, lime green
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCosta Rica to Peru
Host PlantsPassiflora spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on passion vines (Passiflora spp.) and sequester toxins, making both larvae and adults unpalatable. Adults are known to feed on pollen, which extends their lifespan.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black wings with bright lime-green bands on the forewings and a clean, broad white band on the hindwings. The long, narrow wing shape is characteristic of longwings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with long, narrow black wings featuring two prominent lime-green bands on the forewings and a broad white band along the outer margin of the hindwings.
