State Butterfly
The state butterfly is the Zebra Longwing. The scientific name is Heliconius Charithonia. It was designated by the state
legislature in 1996. Easily identified by its elongated black wings featuring bold, thin yellow stripes, this butterfly is
known for a slow, graceful flight that distinguishes it from other native species. Unique among butterflies, the Zebra Longwing
consumes both nectar and pollen; the extra protein from pollen allows adults to live up to six months, significantly longer than
the typical two-to-four-week lifespan of most other butterflies. They are highly social, often forming communal roosts at night
where they return to the same branch evening after evening. Primarily found in the shaded hammocks and gardens of peninsular Florida
, particularly within the Everglades National Park, their larvae rely exclusively on passionflower vines (Passiflora) for survival,
absorbing toxins from the plant that make both the caterpillars and adults distasteful to predators.
Other Butterflies
Other butterflies include,
- Monarch
- Gulf Fritillary
- Giant Swallowtail
- White Peacock
- Cloudless Sulphur