Orange and Black Heliconius Butterfly
7 Interesting Facts about the Orange and Black Heliconius Butterfly (Heliconius Hacale)
- Heliconius Hecale
- Also called the Tiger Longwing, Hecale Longwing, Golden Longwing or Golden Heliconian,
- Is one of the most common Heliconius butterflies species which can be seen in the neotropics from Mexico to Panama.
- These bright colors are a warning sign to birds and other predators that they contain toxic chemicals that will make them sick if eaten.
- A cyanide poison is produced by the caterpillars by consuming passionflower leaves. Other insects cannot eat the passion flower leaves but the Heliconius butterflies have ability to process this poison.
- Unlike other butterflies,Heliconius females feed on pollen as well as nectar.
- Although most butterflies live only about 10 days, this butterfly species can live up to 9 months.
