Tiger Longwing
Common NameTiger Longwing
Scientific NameHeliconius hecale
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeMexico through Central America to northern South America
Host PlantsPassiflora vitifolia, Passiflora ambigua, Passiflora platyloba
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay single eggs on the new growth of various passion vine species. The larvae are spiny and feed on the leaves, while the pupae are often ornate and mimic dead leaves or thorns.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad orange band on black wings, which can vary in exact shape and size depending on the subspecies. White spots are typically present on the black forewing margins.
Description
A vibrant butterfly with long, narrow wings, characterized by a broad, bright orange band across the center of its otherwise black wings, often with white spots on the forewing tips.
