Nutmeg longwing (SciiFii)

The nutmeg longwing (Heliconius nutmega) is a species of butterfly belonging to the subfamily Heliconiinae of the family Nymphalidae that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, swamps, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The nutmeg longwing has a wingspan of 78 millimetres (3.1 in). These very large butterflies have long and rounded wings of brown and orange color, with very variable markings due to its capacity of mimicry with several species. Its colors is used as a warning to predators that the butterfly is toxic to eat. The caterpillar is white with black spots and black thorns. Nutmeg longwing caterpillars feed on various species of passionflower and several other would-be toxic plants, evading the plants' defensive trichomes by biting them off or laying silk mats over them. The conservation status of the nutmeg longwing is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the nutmeg longwing's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii