Longwing butterflies are extremely loyal to their host and food plant, the passionflower vine. The butterflies have unusually long lifespans and high fecundity rates, which largely result from their augmented diet. Instead of surviving on food stores from the larval stage or solely sipping flower nectar, adult longwing butterflies are avid pollen eaters.

Scientifically described as Heliconius xanthocles, the longwing butterfly ranges around the coastal plains of South America. Although it has an impressive elevation limit of about 1,000 meters, the elegant, but small species prefers the lower river valleys. A thin, elongate body, very long, slender black antennae, and a slow, lofty flight characterize the species. The loud black and orange coloration of its wings indicates that longwing butterflies are not just beautiful, but dangerous as well. The brightly colored species participates in Müllerian mimicry rings with several other noxious butterfly and moth species. Predators quickly learn to avoid the longwing butterfly and its copycats from the ill effects they experience when one is eaten.

The complex relationship between longwing butterflies and passionflower vines indicate that the species have closely coevolved. Longwing adults recognize passion vines by leaf shape, vine smell, and the taste of the leaves. In return for the nectar and pollen they consume, longwing adults pollinate passionflower vines. Nevertheless, the plant does its best to minimize the number of longwings that may survive on its vines. Passionflowers produce small glands known as foliar nectaries that resemble the barrel-shaped golden eggs of the longwing butterfly. The nectaries often discourage female longwings from laying eggs on a particular plant because the vines already appear occupied. The nectaries also act as attractants for coevolved ants that prey on longwing caterpillars and eggs. The larvae that manage to survive are able to sequester cyanide-like chemicals from the passionflower vine, which they use as their own personal defense system.

Sold as live chrysalides and dry adults, the longwing butterfly species is part of the international butterfly trade and is reared in butterfly conservatories worldwide. The graceful lepidopteran and its congenerics are particularly susceptible to capture because they are slow fliers that often feed for long periods of time on a single flowering plant and follow a set route day after day. Air and water pollution, rampant development, deforestation, hydroelectric power dams, and pesticide usage in South America are also problematic for longwing butterflies and their indispensable passionflower vines.

Fur on Wing - This beautiful darkfield image of wing scales features fur that looks like slanting rain. The photomicrograph is reminiscent of the work of impressionist painters.

Wing Scale Array - A symmetrical pattern of overlapping wing scales can be seen in this unusual photomicrograph. The visually stimulating image looks like something that might be found in a museum of modern art.

Orange and Black Wing Scales - The characteristic orange and black wing scales of the longwing butterfly are displayed in this photomicrograph. The bright hues enable the members of the species to participate in Müllerian mimicry rings.

Orange Wing Scales - The clarity achieved in this reflected light image of orange wing scales is remarkable. Each individual wing scale is a distinct entity, but clearly exists as an integral part of the larger group.

Undulating Wing Scales - A beautiful image of undulating layers of orange wing scales captured in reflected light is displayed here. The appearance of the scale pattern demonstrates that the wing is not perfectly flat.

Black Wing Marking - A striking, inky black wing marking dominates this photomicrograph. The scales are so dark that they cannot be distinguished from one another, instead appearing as an abyss in the field of orange wing scales.

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