Red Admiral vs Heliconius Hecale Longwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Admiral Heliconius Hecale Longwing
Scientific Name Vanessa atalanta Heliconius hecale
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Nymphalidae
Size 56-62 mm wingspan 70-85 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Underground
Diet Fruit Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red Admiral

A bold black butterfly with red-orange bands and white spots, commonly seen in gardens. It is a strong migrant and occasional overwinterer.

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Did You Know?

In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.

Heliconius Hecale Longwing

A large Heliconius butterfly with black wings marked by broad orange and yellow patches. It is one of the most widespread species in the genus and is a participant in multiple mimicry rings. Adults are unusually long-lived for butterflies, surviving up to six months.

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Did You Know?

It forms communal roosts of up to 30 individuals that return to the same branch every evening, providing safety in numbers.