Heliconius Hewitsoni vs Pipevine Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Heliconius Hewitsoni Pipevine Swallowtail
Scientific Name Heliconius hewitsoni Battus philenor
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Papilionidae
Size 60-70 mm wingspan 70-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions South America (Colombia, Ecuador) North America from southern Canada to Mexico
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Heliconius Hewitsoni

A rare Heliconius butterfly with black wings and a distinctive bright yellow forewing band. It is restricted to Pacific-slope wet forests and is one of the least common species in the genus. Its ecology and behavior remain relatively poorly studied due to its rarity.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the rarest Heliconius species and was not photographed alive in the wild until the late 20th century.

Pipevine Swallowtail

A dark swallowtail with brilliant iridescent blue hindwings and an orange-spotted underside. Its toxicity from Aristolochia host plants makes it the model for several mimicry complexes.

💡

Did You Know?

At least five other butterfly species mimic its appearance to gain protection from predators.