The Ismenius Tiger, Heliconius ismenius

The Ismenius Tiger is found throughout southern Central America and parts of northern South America. The dorsal wing surface is covered in thick black and orange stripes. The forewing tips are black and covered in white spots. The ventral wing surface pattern is identical, but lighter in colour.

Adults inhabit forests and feed on pollen from Gurania and Psiguria plants (both belong to the family Cucurbitaceae). Caterpillars are white with black spots and spines, and have orange anal plates and heads. They feed on passion vines (Passifloraceae).

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