Heliconius sapho leuce, commonly known as the Sapho Longwing, is a subspecies of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, native to Central and parts of northern South America. This striking butterfly is most frequently found in the lowland and mid-elevation rainforests of countries such as Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and occasionally extending into Colombia and Ecuador. It thrives in humid, shaded forest environments, often seen fluttering slowly in the undergrowth or along forest edges, where it feeds on nectar and pollen from select flowers, notably those of the Passiflora species, which also serve as host plants for its larvae.
Visually, Heliconius sapho leuce is easily recognizable by its bold wing pattern. The upper side of the wings is primarily black with a distinctive iridescent white or pale blue band running diagonally across the forewings, giving it a sharp contrast that helps deter predators through mimicry and warning coloration. This butterfly is part of a well-known Müllerian mimicry complex, often resembling other unpalatable species such as Heliconius cydno. The Sapho Longwing is also remarkable for its relatively long lifespan (for a butterfly), due to its ability to digest pollen, which supplements its diet and aids in reproductive success.
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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