Hobbies And Interests

Facts on the Zebra Longwing

The zebra longwing is the state butterfly of Florida. It is characterized by the black and white stripes that stretch across the span of the butterfly's wings thus giving it the look of zebra stripes. The zebra longwing can be seen throughout the state but is most abundant in the southern half of the state.
  1. Eggs

    • After mating a female zebra longwing will lay her eggs on the leaves of a passion vine. The eggs resemble tiny yellow beads on the surface of the leaves. A female zebra longwing can lay up to 1,000 eggs at a time. However, due to spiders and other predators that feed on the eggs, many will not develop to maturity.

    Mating

    • The zebra longwing doesn't wait for a specific time to mate. A female zebra longwing can be smelled through the wall of the chrysalis and male zebra longwings will often hover around the chrysalis in anticipation of mating when the new female emerges.

    Pollen Digestion

    • The butterfly secrets an enzyme from the end of its proboscis that breaks down any pollen stuck to it. It then sucks the pollen up with any nectar it is eating. The digested pollen contains amino acids that provide the butterfly with extra food and energy. This energy can extend the life of the butterfly. While most adult butterflies can live for only a few weeks the zebra longwing can live up to six months.

    Vision

    • The facets of the zebra longwing butterfly's eye enable it to see both visible light and ultra violet light. Due to this improved vision the butterfly is able to see nectar supplies that other insects may miss. It also allows the zebra longwing to see colors in flowers invisible to the human eye.

    Brush Footed Butterflies

    • Zebra longwings are part of a group called brush-footed butterflies. The first set of their six legs are modified into brushes that can "taste" plants. The female uses these brushes to identify which plants will be able to provide food for her larva when they hatch. She will only lay eggs on those plants.


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