Zebra Longwing Butterfly

I took this photograph in the tropical section of the Orchid Show in Cleveland, OH. Typically, you would not see this in Ohio during the summer... more

by Gena Weiser

Title

Zebra Longwing Butterfly

Artist

Gena Weiser

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

I took this photograph in the tropical section of the Orchid Show in Cleveland, OH. Typically, you would not see this in Ohio during the summer months. It is found in South America, Central America, the West Indies, Mexico, South Texas, and the Florida peninsula. It was declared the official butterfly of Florida in 1996.
The scientific name for this butterfly is Heliconius charithonia. The stripes on this butterfly serve a purpose of warding off predators.
The adult zebra longwing is different from other butterflies, because it not only eats pollen. But, it also sips nectar. This ability can allow these butterflies to live up to 6/six months. Butterflies that feed on pollen alone are more healthy than the butterflies who only sip nectar. Also, butterflies are more distasteful to predators if they only eat pollen.
I think as a photographer, finding a butterfly to photograph is one of the most enjoyable photographs you can take. There are so many species, in so many different colors, that it seems impossible to not enjoy seeing a butterfly.

This photograph is being or has been featured in the following groups:

Midwest America
2-2-15

I would like to thank the Group Administrator's for featuring my images.

Uploaded

January 10th, 2015