Heliconius hortense, commonly known as the Mexican longwing or Hortense longwing, is a striking butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae and subfamily Heliconiinae. It is easily recognized by its long, narrow wings and vivid black wings adorned with contrasting white or pale yellow bands across the forewings, while the hindwings often display a rich blue or bluish-black sheen. The underside of the wings mimics the top side with a more muted palette, aiding in camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Like other Heliconius species, H. hortense is involved in Müllerian mimicry, where several unpalatable species evolve to resemble each other for mutual protection against predators.
This species is distributed from Mexico through Central America and into northwestern South America, including parts of Colombia and Ecuador. It is typically found in tropical and subtropical forests, where it frequents forest edges, clearings, and trails. Heliconius hortense is notable for its complex behaviors, including pollen feeding—an unusual trait among butterflies that provides them with amino acids, contributing to their relatively long lifespan. The butterfly plays a vital role in the ecosystems it inhabits, not just as a pollinator, but also as a model species in the study of mimicry, speciation, and evolutionary biology.
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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