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Sarasota News Leader February 15, 2013 The adult Zebra Heliconian (that is what they are commonly called by lepidopterists and butterfly aficionados) can live for several months. That is a long time in the butterfly world! Scientists believe it is because not only do they nectar like other butterflies but on top of that, they collect and absorb pollen into their bodies, which most other butterflies do not do. The nutrients from the pollen add two to three more months to this butterfly���s life. In the photo I have provided, you can see how much yellow pollen this Zebra H. has collected on his proboscis. Page 83 erpillars, which hatch from their eggs, can eat and thus use its nutrients to turn into a lovely, healthy butterfly. So I guess that your woods has lots of native Passionflowers growing in it and that is why these butterflies are enjoying living in it and in your garden. As you probably have noticed, butterflies can flit by so quickly. One second they are nectaring on a flower and the next second they are chasing another butterfly way up a tree. The flight of the Zebra H. is quick but also languorous. Sometimes it appears they are engaging The female Zebra H. lays tiny, yellow eggs on in a graceful ballet. You look for that quality the leaves and tendrils of the Purple Passion- the next time you see them and let me know flower plant. You see, whereas butterflies are if you agree. opportunistic eaters and will nectar on most Thank you for writing and including your sisflowers, particularly our Florida native ones, ter Molly���s lovely and perfect butterfly photo. they can lay their eggs only on a very specific plant. It must be a plant they know their catOtus This Zebra Longwing is carrying a bit of pollen on his proboscis. File photo