About Zebra Longwing
A neotropical butterfly with elongated jet-black wings bearing bold pale yellow stripes. It is unusual among butterflies for feeding on pollen in addition to nectar.
Did You Know?
This butterfly can digest pollen by dissolving it with saliva on its proboscis, providing amino acids that allow adults to live six months or longer.
How to Identify Zebra Longwing
Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Nymphalidae. Adults typically measure 72-100 mm wingspan.
Zebra Longwing Habitat
Zebra Longwing is found in underground habitats, particularly across North America, Central America, South America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Zebra Longwing Diet and Feeding
Zebra Longwing feeds on pollen collected from flowers. As a pollen feeder, it plays a role in pollination, helping to fertilise plants as it moves from flower to flower.
Where Is Zebra Longwing Found?
Zebra Longwing can be found in North America, Central America, South America, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Zebra Longwing can be found
Is Zebra Longwing Dangerous?
Zebra Longwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Zebra Longwing Role in Nature
Zebra Longwing plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Zebra Longwing
What does Zebra Longwing look like?
The Zebra Longwing typically measures 72-100 mm wingspan.
Where is Zebra Longwing found?
The Zebra Longwing is found in North America, Central America, South America and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Zebra Longwing eat?
The Zebra Longwing feeds on pollen collected from flowers.
Is Zebra Longwing dangerous to humans?
The Zebra Longwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Zebra Longwing?
This butterfly can digest pollen by dissolving it with saliva on its proboscis, providing amino acids that allow adults to live six months or longer.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/zebra-longwing
MLA:
"Zebra Longwing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/zebra-longwing.