Postman butterfly
Common NamePostman butterfly
Scientific NameHeliconius melpomene
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsblack, red, cream
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico to Brazil)
Host PlantsPassiflora spp. (passion vines)
Flight PeriodYear-round (in tropical climates)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed exclusively on passion vines, sequestering toxins that make the adult butterflies unpalatable to predators. Adults are long-lived and unique among butterflies for their ability to digest pollen, supplementing their nectar diet.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black wings with large red patches on the forewings and a cream/yellow band on the hindwings. This species is part of a Müllerian mimicry complex, so careful observation of the exact pattern and band placement is crucial for distinguishing it from similar species like H. erato.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with long, narrow wings that are predominantly black, featuring prominent red patches on the forewings and a distinct cream or yellow band across the hindwings.
