Heliconius doris

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Doris Longwing Heliconius doris

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Chrysalid

Doris Longwing Heliconius doris

Order: Lepidoptera Family: Nymphalidae

Etymology: The genus Heliconius is broken into two parts: Helico = Helix and nous = reason and knowledge as opposed to sense perception. The specie doris is Greek for dorian woman.

Flights: There are multiple generations each year which makes it possible to find the adults year round, with the largest populations found during the dry season.

Wing span: 3 - 3 1/4 inches (75 - 83 mm) Habitat: The Doris Longwings are primarily found in areas associated with forest. They also venture out into the surrounding areas and forest canopy. They stay in areas associated with the host plant. Host Plant: The larvae feed on plants in the family Passifloraceae, especially the specie Passiflora ambigua. Adult Food Source: Adults nectar from a variety of plants and may be able to use pollen as a protein source.

Fun Facts: Like all Heliconius, the Doris Longwings are long lived individuals which can live over a couple of months. Of all of the Heliconius chrysalides, Doris Longwings have a similar shape, but they lack spines which found on the rest of the Heliconius chrysalides.

Life History: Males patrol for receptive females. After mating, females lay their eggs in clusters on the tendrils of the host plants. The caterpillars feed on the host plants until they form their chrysalis.

Range: