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Mila'sExotic Plants & CuriositiesA living collection by Luminary OdditiesLuminary Oddities · Natural history & art
Heliconius melpomene
Lepidoptera / Nymphalidae
Heliconius melpomene is a Neotropical passion-vine butterfly with black wings and geographically variable red or yellow markings. Adults collect pollen as well as nectar, and laboratory analyses have detected protein-digesting enzymes in their saliva.
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Heliconius melpomene is a passion-vine butterfly described by Linnaeus in 1758. [1]
Black wings carry red or yellow bands whose arrangement varies geographically. Regional forms resemble corresponding patterns of Heliconius erato. Forewings measure 35–39 mm. [1]
The species is widespread in the Neotropics, occurring along forest edges, rivers and streams from sea level to approximately 1,400 m. [1]
Females place yellow eggs singly on young host leaves or stipules. Mature larvae have white bodies, black spots and spines, and orange heads. Brown pupae bear gold dorsal spots and black abdominal spines. [1]
Larvae feed on Passiflora. Central American field hosts include P. oerstedii and P. menispermifolia; other populations use additional passion-vine species. [1]
Adults fly in the lower forest layer and gather in small night roosts on twigs or tendrils. Females may mate more than once. [1]
Laboratory assays detected protease activity in saliva collected from male and female H. melpomene after stimulation with pollen or fine glass beads. Pollen-only controls showed little activity, supporting a salivary source for the protein digestion. The result establishes an enzymatic component of pollen processing, in addition to the mechanical manipulation performed by the proboscis. [2]
Melpomene takes its name from the Greek Muse of tragedy. [1]
Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.
Heliconius research community, Heliconius Homepage · Accessed 2026-10-11
Eberhard, Hrassnigg, Crailsheim and Krenn, Journal of Insect Physiology 53(2), 126–131(2007) · Accessed 2026-10-11
Sources checked 2026-10-11. Illustrations · Luminary Oddities.
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