Sapho Longwing Butterfly Heliconius sapho

The Sapho Longwing Butterfly, one of the Heliconian family, is native to Central America through to north-western South America.
The topside has a beautiful petrol blue iridescence. The topside is very similar to that of the related Cydno Longwing (see link below) but the underside is totally different.

Male and female have a similar appearance but, in addition to the Cydno, H. eleuchia in the same region is also similar (Mulleran mimicry is common among the unpalatable Longwing family).

In common with other Heliconian butterflies, adults not only drink nectar but also eat pollen which improves their lifespan from days to weeks. Caterpillars eat Passion Flower vines.