Hecale Longwing Butterfly Heliconius hecale
The Hecale Longwing Butterfly, one of the Heliconian or Longwing family, is native from Mexico through Central America to northern South America.
It is also called the Golden Longwing, a misnomer since the dark orange colour is rarely "golden", and also the Tiger Longwing - a confusing name
since several other longwing butterflies have this as all or part of their names (Ismenius Tiger, Isabella Tiger, Orange Tiger, etc.).
With its extensive range, it has several subspecies and also some similar-looking mimics.
The body is black and white stripes to warn potential predators that it is unpleasant.
Deserving its name of Tiger Longwing
The adults drink nectar and eat pollen, giving them improved longevity over other, non-Heliconian butterflies.
The caterpillars eat Passion Flower vines.
Above is one of the mimics - similar but slightly different-looking Cream-spotted Tigerwing or Clearwing, Tithorea tarricina.