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