Sapho Longwing
Common NameSapho Longwing
Scientific NameHeliconius sapho
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorsblack, white, blue
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America (Costa Rica, Panama) to northern South America (Colombia, Ecuador)
Host PlantsPassiflora vitifolia, Passiflora ambigua, Passiflora menispermifolia
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on passion vines (Passiflora spp.), sequestering toxins that make them and the adult butterflies unpalatable to predators. Eggs are laid singly on young tendrils or leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include the specific pattern of large white patches on the black forewings and the extensive, deep iridescent blue on the hindwings. It can be distinguished from similar species like Heliconius cydno by the extent of blue on the hindwings and forewing pattern.
Description
A striking butterfly with black forewings featuring large, contrasting white patches, and iridescent blue hindwings. Its body is slender and black.
