Invertebrates
Zebra Longwing
Heliconius charithonia · also called zebra longwings, zebra heliconian
As dusk settles over a Florida hammock, a group of zebra longwings gathers at the same communal roost they return to night after night, having spent the day doing something almost no other North American butterfly bothers with: actively feeding on pollen.
Overview
The zebra longwing, Heliconius charithonia, is a distinctively patterned butterfly native to forest habitat containing passionflower vines across the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Its unique pollen-feeding habit, remarkably long adult lifespan, toxic passionflower-derived defence, and communal roosting behaviour make it one of the most biologically unusual and behaviourally sophisticated butterflies found in North America.
The rare butterfly that eats more than nectar
While nearly every other butterfly survives on nectar alone, the zebra longwing’s unusual habit of actively feeding on pollen gives it a nutritional edge that helps stretch its adult life across several months rather than mere weeks.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and common across suitable forest habitat containing passionflower vines throughout its range.
Zebra Longwing: common questions
Why does the zebra longwing eat pollen?
This species is the only North American butterfly documented to actively collect and feed on pollen as an adult, a behaviour that provides considerably more protein than nectar alone offers most other butterflies, and this extra nutrition is believed to be the main reason this species can live for several months as an adult rather than just a few weeks.
Why is the zebra longwing toxic to predators?
This species' caterpillar feeds exclusively on passionflower vines, accumulating toxic compounds from these plants that persist into the adult stage, making the butterfly unpalatable to most predators and allowing its bold black-and-yellow warning colouration to function as an effective signal that it should be left alone.
Why is the zebra longwing the state butterfly of Florida?
This species was designated the official state butterfly of Florida in recognition of its distinctive black-and-yellow striped appearance and its strong, common presence within the state's warm, humid forest habitat, making it a fitting and easily recognisable state symbol.
Does the zebra longwing sleep in groups?
Yes, this species often roosts communally in groups at night, with the same individuals frequently returning to the same specific roosting site evening after evening, a social behaviour that is somewhat unusual among butterflies, most of which roost alone rather than in a group.