Florida is home for more than 180 species of butterflies. Our state butterfly is
the Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charitonius). Zebra butterflies frequent home
butterfly gardens and suburban yards and parks. These butterflies have a
relatively long lifespan, living many months due to their diet of both nectar
and pollen. Butterflies have four life stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and
adult. Zebra longwings are medium-sized butterflies with extended wings. The
upper surface of the wings is black with bright, yellow stripes.
To attract
the Zebra longwings to your garden, plant a passionvine (Passiflora incarnata)
or a (Passiflora suberosa) on a trellis or along a chain-link fence, on which
the adult butterflies will lay their eggs and which the caterpillars of the
Zebra longwing will feed upon. Remember that these plants ultimately will be
chewed upon if you are a successful butterfly gardener. Plant our native
firebush (Hamelia patens) which will provide plenty of nectar for the adult
Zebra longwings.
To see the Mounts Botanical Garden Butterfly demonstration
garden at the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service stop by 531 North
Military Trail West Palm Monday-Sunday 10AM-4PM. For more information visit www.mounts.org.
Fig. 1 Zebra Longwing Butterfly
Fig. 2 Palm Beach County Master Gardener Volunteers Julia Renninger and
Butch Farrell maintaining the Mounts Botanical Garden Butterfly Demonstration Garden