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Project Noah Nature School
Heliconius erato
The Red Postman or Small Postman is one of the few butterflies that collects and digests pollen adding several months to their longevity. The Common Postman - Heliconius melpomene, mimics the Red Postman and can be distinguished from H. erato by three red dots and a yellowish white stripe on the underside near the thorax. H. erato has 4 red dots.
Mexico south to Brazil. Tropical & subtropical forests and edges. Host plants: various passion-vines (Passiflora species).
Spotted on Feb 22, 2013
Submitted on Mar 13, 2013
4 Comments
Thanks ianmaton!
A stunner. Excellent detail in the photograph.
Thanks aveclairepod!
Awesome!