Northern zebra longwing (SciiFii)

The northern zebra longwing (Heliconius quagga), also known as the bumblebee longwing, is a medium-sized 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 wings of the northern zebra longwing is colored in black and white striped pattern, which is used for warning off predators due to its toxicity. Northern zebra longwing adults roost communally at night in groups of up to 60 adults for safety from predators. The adult butterflies are unusual in feeding on pollen as well as on nectar; the pollen enables them to synthesize cyanogenic glycosides that make their bodies toxic to potential predators. Northern zebra 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 northern zebra longwing is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the northern zebra longwing's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii