Red Postman
Image: Manuelito2021consupadre (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameRed Postman
Scientific NameHeliconius erato
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsblack, red, cream, white, blue
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America, parts of Mexico
Host PlantsPassiflora spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on young leaves of passion vines (Passiflora spp.). Larvae are spiny and feed on the toxic host plants, accumulating defensive compounds. Pupae are cryptic, often resembling dead leaves or thorns.
Identification TipsKey features include the cream-white diagonal band on the black forewing and the large red-orange patch on the black hindwing. It is a Müllerian mimic of Heliconius melpomene, making visual distinction challenging without close examination of wing venation or specific markings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with black forewings featuring a diagonal cream-white band and small white-blue spots near the apex, and black hindwings with a prominent red-orange patch.
