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.
Best time to see a Zebra Heliconian
The best time to see a Zebra Heliconian is April–October, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,246 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Zebra Heliconian? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Zebra Heliconian sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Zebra Heliconian? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Zebra Heliconian is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.