Dryas iulia
Pic taken by Small Wonders in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
The Julia Heliconian butterfly (Dryas iulia – often incorrectly spelled julia) is a species of brush-footed butterfly, native from Brazil to southern Texas and Florida, and in summer can sometimes be found as far north as eastern Nebraska.
Its wingspan ranges from 3 to 3¾ in and it is colored orange (brighter in male specimens) with black markings.
This butterfly is a fast flier and frequents clearings, paths, and margins of forests and woodlands. It feeds on the nectar of flowers, such as lantanas and Shepherd’s-needle. Its caterpillars feeds on leaves of passion vines.
The Julia Heliconian is somewhat unpalatable to birds, and is long-lived.
H/t Project Noah
~Eowyn
