If you’re in the pavilion and you see something remincent of a tiger flying through the air, it’s this week’s Butterfly of the Week, the Isabella’s longwing (also known as Heliconius hecale). This beautiful species has tiger stripes on its wings, along with yellowish markings on the edges of the forewings. It’s been very active in the pavilion these days and has a long lifespan, so you’re sure to see quite a few. And now that the exhibit has been extended, you’ll have plenty of time to come see this beautiful species in person. But first, here are some fun facts about it so you can get to know this special member of the Garden family.
Fun facts
- They are a large butterfly with their wingspan ranging from 6.5-9cm.
- They are in the Nymphalidae family.
- They can be found from Mexico to the Amazon basin and the West Indies, and live primarily in rainforests.
- Adults love to eat nectar from flowering plants, with a preference for white flowers.
- To help evade predators, Isabella’s longwing mimic the behaviour of distasteful butterflies, which are usually more discernible by their bright colors and slower flight speed.
Want to see one for yourself? Make sure to get your tickets to SOAR today!
The Garden relies on generous donations from our Members, visitors and community to keep access to our 87 acres open for all and to provide unique horticultural experiences that help people find connections with nature. Please help us continue this mission for years to come by considering a gift to the Garden. You can do so here.
