Julia Heliconian
Common NameJulia Heliconian
Scientific NameDryas iulia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas), Central America, South America, Caribbean
Host PlantsPassiflora spp. (passion vines)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; summer and fall in temperate areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on passion vines. Larvae are spiny and feed on the host plant, while pupae are camouflaged to resemble a dead leaf.
Identification TipsLook for its unmistakable bright orange wings with a few black lines on the forewing and a thin black border on the hindwing. The elongated forewings are also a key feature.
Description
A vibrant medium-sized butterfly with elongated, bright orange wings, slender black antennae, and distinct black markings along the wing margins and veins.
