The Zebra Heliconian is a unique, slowly fluttering butterfly with bold black-and-yellow zebra stripes that is toxic to predators from chemicals accumulated via passion vine larval diet. It is the state butterfly of Florida. Adults have an extraordinary behavior of roosting communally in the same locations night after night and can learn new roost sites. They are long-lived for butterflies and supplement their nutrition with pollen.
Habitat
Tropical hammocks, forest edges, and gardens of the Deep South
Diet
Larvae: passion vine. Adults: nectar and pollen (unusual for butterflies)
How common
Common
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