Dryas iulia

Julia Longwing

Basic Information

General information

Family: “Nymphalidae”
Sub Family: “Heliconiinae”
Estimated Lifespan 36 Days

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight: 7
Total Number of Pupae Received: 6427
First Flown On: 10/14/02
Last Flown On: 04/04/24

Species Range:

  • “NorthAmerica” “SouthAmerica”

Host plants:

  • Passiflora plectestemma
  • vitifolia
  • platyloba

Food Source

Adults can be found feeding on a variety of flowers.

Etymology Of Name

In both Latin and Greek the genus Dryas means wood or tree nymph. The origin of the specie iulia is currently unknown.

Habitat

Julia Longwing can be found in and around subtropical hammocks as well as nearby fields. They are also found in urban areas visiting gardens.

Life history

Males spend a good part of their days patrolling the habitat looking for females. After mating the females lay their eggs singly on the newest growth. When the caterpillars hatch from their eggs they feed on the host plant until they form their chrysalis.

Flights

In the warmest parts of their range adults can be found year round but during the summer months they tend to stray north into locations which may not be suited for them during the winter months.

Fun Facts

Julia Longwing are believed to participate in a behavior known as "trap-lining" which is where a butterfly hunts for its nectar sources on a set route everyday.