Heliconius cydno

Family

Nymphalidae

Genus

Heliconius

Specie

cydno

Forewing Length

38-43 mm

Range

Mexico to Colombia and Ecuador. Subspecies: galanthus Mexico to Costa Rica, chioneus Southeast Costa Rica to Colombia.

Host Plant

Passiflora vitifolia, P. biflora, (Passifloraceae).

Pupa Stage

Approximately 8 days.

Pupa Description

Dark brown with two rectangular gold patches on the thorax; antennae with long spines, and five pairs of long spines on the abdomen.

Adults Description

Distinguished from its comimic H. sapho by the straight distal margins on the forewing white patch; hindwing underside with a double red discal band (in some specimens the disc is entirely red).

Habits Description

Occurs from sea level to 1,400 m on the Atlantic slope, and as rare migrant individuals on the Pacific slope and the Meseta Central. This species is mostcommonly found in forest habitats, but is not infrequent in second growth if there is a forest nearby. Its obvious coloration and slow fluttery flight make this one of the most noticeable species in Costa Rica. Both sexes collect large pollen loads from Psiguria and appear to be the most defensive toward other species when they are sitting on the flowers.

Special Thanks to Dr. Philip J. Devries

He researched nature for a long time in a huge effort to open our eyes to some impressive details making possible a deeper comprehension of entomology.

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