Heliconius sapho

Heliconius sapho (Heliconius sapho)

Phylum — arthropoda
Class — insecta
Order — lepidoptera
Family — nymphalidae

Genus – heliconius

Appearance

The dorsal forewing surface of the Heliconius sapho is black at the tip and dark blue close to the body, with a large white patch across the middle. The hindwings are dark blue. The ventral surface is black and white with red markings beside the body. Antennae black. Eyes brown. Wingspan –  ​82 mm.

Habitat

Heliconius sapho is distributed from Central America to Ecuador.

Behavior

This butterfly species imitates in color other venomous species of its order, such as Heliconius cydno. The color of Heliconius cydno is used to warn the predator about the unpleasant taste of the intended prey.

During the day, males often defend their territories. Adults roost at night in large groups on twigs or tendrils over water.

Butterflies live long, have a good memory and good eyesight. They learn to find suitable plants and visit them daily to check for young shoots or flowers with pollen.

Diet

Heliconius sapho larvae feed primarily on plants from the genus Passiflora, subgenus Astrophea.

Reproduction

The males sit on female pupae a day before emergence, and mating occurs the next morning, before the female has completely eclosed.

Eggs are yellow or white and approximately 1 x 0.7 mm (h x w).  Females usually place 10 to 40 eggs on growing shoots of the host plant.

Mature larvae have a yellow body, with black scoli and head; length is around 0.3 cm. Caterpillars are gregarious.

Pupae are pale yellow to pale brown, with well-marked black veins and black spines. Pupation often takes place in groups.

Adult butterflies can live up to 6 months.