Sara Longwing vs Colorful Ichneumon

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sara Longwing Colorful Ichneumon
Scientific Name Heliconius sara Ichneumon sarcitorius
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Nymphalidae Ichneumonidae
Size 55-70 mm wingspan 12-16 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Central America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sara Longwing

A striking longwing butterfly with velvety black wings marked by brilliant blue iridescent bands. It roosts communally in groups at night.

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Did You Know?

Groups of up to 15 individuals return to the same roosting branch every evening for months, guided by chemical cues.

Colorful Ichneumon

A medium-sized ichneumon with a black body, yellow scutellum, and orange-tipped abdomen. It is one of the most commonly recorded ichneumons in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Males are frequently seen on umbellifer flowers in late summer, making them one of the easiest ichneumons to observe.