SOAR – Tropical Butterflies has several orange butterflies fluttering around, but this week we are highlighting one specific one as our Butterfly of the Week – the banded orange butterfly. They are on the smaller side and have bright orange wings with dark horizontal stripes. They are sometimes referred to as orange tiger butterflies because of their markings. Read the fun facts below to learn more about this special friend and then come visit them at SOAR before it’s too late. The butterfly pavilion is open for just one more month!
Fun Facts:
- Banded orange butterflies are native from Brazil to Central Mexico and, although rare, they can even be found in Central Florida.
- As adult butterflies, they mostly feed on nectar and bird droppings(!).
- In the wild, banded orange butterflies can be found drinking the salty tears of Caiman crocodiles. In SOAR, butterflies get their salt fix from the muddy puddles that form after the plants have been watered or the sweat from those visiting on a hot day.
- Banded orange butterflies are part of the Müllerian Mimicry Complex, a group of poisonous animals that mimic each other’s markings to ward off predators. Müller’s theory was first identified in tropical butterflies, like the banded orange, but includes other insects, amphibians and reptiles.
- Banded orange butterflies have a wingspan of 2.5 – 3.5 inches.
Ready to visit them in person? Get your tickets here!
