False zebra longwing
Common NameFalse zebra longwing
Scientific NameHeliconius cydno
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America to northern South America (southern Mexico to Ecuador and Venezuela)
Host PlantsPassiflora spp. (passion vines)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the tendrils or young leaves of passion vines. Larvae are spiny and feed on the host plant. Adults are long-lived due to their unique ability to digest pollen, supplementing their nectar diet.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black and white pattern, particularly the broad white bands on both forewings and hindwings. It mimics other *Heliconius* species; differentiate from the true zebra longwing (*Heliconius charithonia*) by its white markings instead of yellow.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings adorned with prominent white or cream bands across the forewings and hindwings, complemented by rows of white spots along the wing margins.
