Heliconius erato petiveriana, commonly known as the Red Postman or Small Postman, is a striking subspecies of the Heliconius erato butterfly, part of the longwing family (Nymphalidae). This butterfly is particularly admired for its vivid coloration and elegant flight. The petiveriana subspecies is recognized by its black wings adorned with a bold red stripe across the forewings and a delicate white or yellow band on the hindwings. These bright warning colors are a form of aposematism, signaling to predators that the butterfly is unpalatable due to the toxic compounds it accumulates from its host plants in the Passifloraceae family.
Heliconius erato petiveriana is native to Central America, with its range extending from southern Mexico through Costa Rica and Panama. It typically inhabits tropical rainforests, forest edges, and secondary growth areas, where it can often be seen gliding gracefully near the understory. Like other Heliconius species, it exhibits fascinating behaviors such as pollen feeding—a rare trait in butterflies—which gives it a longer lifespan compared to most other species. Its role in mimicry complexes and co-evolution with plants makes it a valuable subject of study in evolutionary biology and ecology.
We firmly support the sustainable tropical butterfly collections as long as they take care of conserving the rainforest where they fly and developing responsible conscious trading.
This allows us to support local ranching farms with ethically sourced material and help at the same time collectors and enthusiasts to contribute to understanding and treasuring those species.
Please consider that the specimen you will receive may slightly differ in size, shape or colour from the picture shown as you are purchasing a natural product.
All our items are carefully delivered to prevent damages on transport, papered items are packaged in glassine envelopes specifying capture/breeding data and location available. CITES certificate will be provided in the specimens required.
HOW WE GRADE OUR LISTINGS (SPECIMENS)
As Insect specimens are natural products, some are bred and some others caught in wild, the quality can vary greatly.
The guide below explains the grading used for specimens in our listings.
A1 No visible imperfections, both antennas, no tearing, scratches or missing part of the wings (or as perfect as you could expect from wild caught specimens), with exception of some leg damage.
A1- Very minor damage, normally restricted to antenna damage or antennae attached separately in the envelope.
A- These specimens have minor damage, such as antenna damage, or minor flight wear such as small scratches, minor sale damage, some minor fraying/chipping around the edges of the wings.
A2 More significant damage, such as major flight wear, small rips, small pieces missing from the wings, damage to the thorax or abdomen.
B or Second Grade These specimens have similar damage to A2 specimens, but to a more significant degree. Usually used as parts replacement or art work material
| SPECIMEN | |
|---|---|
| Country | Mexico |
| Locality | Los Tuxtlas Veracruz |
| Collection type | Wild collected |
| Bio-zone | Neotropical |
We supply both rare and common species from all parts of the world.
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United States, United Kingdom and Mexico
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