Judith's Longwing
Common NameJudith's Longwing
Scientific NamePodotricha judith
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, orange, yellow
HabitatTropical rainforests, cloud forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeCentral America to northern South America (e.g., Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia)
Host PlantsPassiflora species (Passion-flower family)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike other Heliconiinae, the larvae of Podotricha judith feed on Passiflora vines. Eggs are laid singly, and the caterpillars are typically spiny, developing into a cryptic chrysalis before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of broad, contrasting black and orange-yellow stripes. The forewings have a prominent diagonal orange-yellow band, and the hindwings feature parallel stripes. Its elongated wing shape is also characteristic of the Heliconiinae subfamily.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its striking pattern of broad black and orange-yellow stripes across its elongated forewings and hindwings. The body is dark, and the antennae are long and clubbed.
