Click here to go to the home page
Visitor Guide|Support the Zoo|Exhibits/Gardens|Education|Conservation|Z-Mail
 
   
   
   
         
 
 
Warning! The bright red coloring of the postman butterfly warns predators of its distasteful and toxic properties, which resulted from feeding on the passionflower vine as a caterpillar.
 
 
 
 

Range: Central and South America

 

 
 
 

Amazon Postman Butterfly
Heliconius melpomene

The Amazon postman butterfly depends on an intimate relationship with the passionflower vine. Upon hatching, the caterpillar feasts on the young leaves of the vine and builds up immunity to the plant’s toxins. As an adult, it feeds on the pollen and nectar of the passionflower vine.

Fact File

Wingspan: 2.5 to 3.3 in

Habitat: Forest

Lifespan: 6 to 9 mo

Diet: Passionflower vines

 
         
  Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe | © 2004 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden