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These butterflies would be indistinguishable from zebras, if zebras were black and yellow and flew from flower to flower. Zebra Heliconians flight is often hovering, but if disturbed they can fly surprisingly quickly.
Open woods and wood edges, gardens.
Throughout warm weather.
Passionflowers (Passiflora), usually laying eggs on plants that are shaded.
Heliconians are among the most long-lived of butterflies, surviving for up to nine months. During this time, individuals learn where the best nectar sources in their area are, and often follow a routine, visiting different flower areas at the same time each day. Unlike most butterflies, which take only nectar from flowers, heliconians actively eat flower pollen and the added nutrients allow them to be among the most long-lived of butterflies, surviving for up to nine months. Nightimes are spent in a communal roost.
