AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Heliconius hecale
Tiger Longwing
Fabricius, 1775
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The Heliconius hecale is a medium-sized butterfly with elongated wings and an impressive wingspan. Its wings exhibit a complex pattern of bright orange in the basal and discal areas, crossed by bold black bands and adorned with yellow and white spots at the tips, which mimic the warning patterns of other toxic species. The body is slender, dark, and covered in small sensory scales. Its antennae are long and end in a distinctive club, essential for navigation and chemical detection in the understory.
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TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lepidoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Nymphalidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Heliconius
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Fabricius, 1775
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It is widely distributed throughout tropical humid and gallery forests from Mexico to the Amazon. It prefers forest edges, clearings, and areas where its host plants, the passion flowers (Passiflora spp.), are abundant, generally at altitudes ranging from sea level to 1,500 meters.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a highly active diurnal butterfly. Its behavior is notable for being gregarious at night, when they gather in groups to sleep on the same branches, increasing safety through shared vigilance. During the day, they patrol constant routes in search of flowers rich in nectar and pollen. They are less erratic than other butterflies, exhibiting a slow but steady and determined gliding flight.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Socially complex; they congregate at night in communal roosts where individuals of different ages and possibly close relatives take shelter together. This behavior is key to reducing nocturnal predation.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Specialized Frugivore/Nectarivore. Adults consume floral nectar rich in amino acids and pollen from plants of the genus Psiguria and Gurania, which is unique among Nymphalidae.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
It is a fundamental link as a pollinator of understory plants and climbing plants. In turn, it is preyed upon by a wide range of predators, including spiders, ants, insectivorous birds, and small wasps that parasitize its eggs. Its ability to process pollen makes it one of the few butterflies that obtains complex nitrogenous nutrition, influencing nutrient availability in local ecosystems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females lay their eggs individually on the tender shoots of Passiflora. Larvae are gregarious at birth and feed on the host plant leaves, sequestering toxins. Larval development lasts about 15 to 20 days, followed by a pupal phase of 10 to 14 days. There is no parental care after laying, but the use of specific host plants ensures the survival of the offspring.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 8.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.5 g - 1.2 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 200
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
15 - 20
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 6 Months
Females3 - 6 Months
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Cyanogenic Metabolism: The caterpillar accumulates cyanogenic glycosides from its host plants, which provides chemical toxicity that persists into adulthood, serving as a defense against vertebrate predators.
Batesian Mimicry: Its coloration pattern evolves to copy more toxic species within the Heliconius complex, tricking insectivorous birds into believing the butterfly is unbeatable or poisonous.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destruction of host plants: The conversion of forests into agricultural areas eliminates native passion flowers, essential for the butterfly's life cycle.
Landscape fragmentation: The lack of connectivity between forest patches hinders dispersal and mate searching.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Exceptional longevity: Unlike most butterflies that live for a few days, the Heliconius hecale can survive for up to 6 months thanks to its ability to consume pollen, which provides vital proteins.
Spatial intelligence: They possess superior cognitive ability that allows them to remember flight routes and visit the same nectar plants daily, optimizing their energy consumption.