Plate 051 · gathering pollen at a passionflower IdentificationFive marks on the plate
- 1Broad red band on the forewing.
- 2Yellow bar on the hindwing.
- 3Long, narrow wings, typical of heliconians.
- 4Pollen load stuck to the proboscis.
- 5Yellow egg laid on a tendril tip.
Easily confused with Gulf FritillaryDione vanillaeAlso breeds on passionflowers, but is orange with silver spots below. 051 / 100 · INVERTEBRATES · NYMPHALIDAENOT EVALUATED Red Postman
Heliconius erato phyllis
Mariposa cartero · Small Postman
Besides nectar, it gathers pollen on its proboscis and dissolves it to absorb amino acids, which is rare among butterflies. That diet lets it live for several months. Its caterpillar eats only passionflower leaves, and the adults are toxic to birds.
- Wingspan
- c. 6 – 8 cm
- Larval plant
- Passiflora (passionflower)
- Adult lifespan
- several months
- Eggs
- yellow, singly, on tendrils
- Pollen feeder
- Toxic
- Group roosts
- Passionflowers
Altitude rangeEdges and clearings of the lower forest
Most frequent (approx.) It flies along forest edges, ravines and foothill gardens where passionflowers grow. The limits are approximate.
FoodPollen as well as nectar
- Pollendissolved on the proboscis
- Nectarfrom forest-edge flowers
- Passionflower leavesPassiflora · caterpillar
The caterpillar takes up toxic compounds from the passionflower. The adult also makes its own chemical defences.
BehaviourSlow, showy and protected
- Warning colours. Black, red and yellow warn birds that it is not good to eat.
- Sleep together. At dusk several gather on the same twig for the night.
- Eggs on tendrils. The female lays yellow eggs on passionflower shoots and tendrils.
Where to look in Tucumán- Sierra de San Javier
- Reserva Experimental Horco Molle
- Parque Provincial La Florida
- Quebrada de Lules