Tiger Beauty
Common NameTiger Beauty
Scientific NameHeliconius ismenius
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, orange, cream
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America, northern South America
Host PlantsPassiflora spp. (passionflower)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on passionflower vines. Larvae are spiny and feed on the host plant leaves. Pupae are often camouflaged, resembling dead leaves or twigs.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black and orange/cream striped pattern, especially the broad orange band on the forewings and the radiating stripes on the hindwings. Often seen flying slowly in shaded forest undergrowth.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with striking black and orange-cream striped wings, mimicking a tiger's pattern. The forewings feature a prominent orange band, while the hindwings display radiating black stripes on a pale background.
