The Zebra Longwing, Heliconius charithonia, is Florida's state butterfly. Florida is home to 187 species of butterflies, more than any other state east of the Mississippi! Butterflies have a four-part life cycle: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (imago). After mating, the female will lay a fertilized egg, which then hatches into a caterpiller. The Zebra Longwing caterpillar feeds on Passionflower plants. Then, the caterpillar will form a chrysalis, undergo metamorphosis and hatch as a butterfly, completing the life cycle.  

Zebra Longwing butterflies remain in their adult "butterfly" stage for three months - typically this stage only lasts 2-14 days. This characteristic makes Zebra Longwings popular in butterfly houses. The adults not only sip nectar, but they also eat pollen, which likely contributes to their increased longevity.  

Some threats butterflies face are habitat loss and degradation. You can help butterflies by planting a butterfly garden in your yard. Remember to plant flowers and plants for caterpillars, as well as nectar plants for adults.