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Also known as the Flame, or Flambeau Butterfly
This butterfly is a fast flier and frequents clearings, paths, and margins of forests and woodlands.
The species is somewhat unpalatable to birds, and belongs to the "orange" Batesian mimicry complex.
It feeds on the nectar of flowers, such as lantanas and shepherd's needle,. (Also the tears of the caiman, whose eyes the butterfly irritates to produce tears. )
Its caterpillar feeds on leaves of passion vines, including Passiflora affinis and yellow
passionflower.
Julias are members of the Longwing (Heliconius) family of butterflies.
*There are about 71 Longwing species worldwide.
Avg. Wingspan: 8.2 - 9.2 cm / 3 1/4 - 3 5/8 "
Diet: caterpillars feed on passion vines including Passiflora lutea.
Diet: adults eat nectar from flowers including lantana and shepherds needle.
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta, Order: Lepidoptera
* Being Brush-footed butterflies, Julias have a short pair of fore legs that are used to taste food, and two pairs of longer rear legs that are used for propulsion.
The single biggest threat to butterfly survival is habitat destruction!!
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