Heliconiinae: The Longwings

Heliconiinae: The Longwings Great Spangled Fritillary Gulf Fritillary Hydaspe Fritillary Julia Longwing Mexican Fritillary Mormon Fritillary Pacific Fritillary Zebra Longwing Butterfly Pictures

Heliconiinae, more commonly known as longwings because of the extended wing length of some species, are a subfamily of butterflies in the brush-footed butterfly family.

Fritillaries, the domonant group within the subfamily, somtimes go by the name silverspots, a term that describes the pattern on the underside of the wing.

Heliconiinae divide into a handful of genera, with the majority of species belonging to either the Speyeria or Boloria genera. The Great Spangled, Hydaspe and Mormon fritillaries listed in the box belong to the Speyeria genus. The Pacific Fritillary belongs to the Boloria genus.

Fritillary species vary in their ease of identification. Between genera differences are often easy to recognize. Within genus differences can cause identification difficulties in instances where common looking species share overlapping territory.

Accurately identifying any fritillary species requires a view of both the top and bottom wing pattern. Because most fritillaries spend time nectaring on flowers, patience around any species is often rewarded with a top and side view picture.

A few Heliconian species, such as the Zebra Longwing and Julia Longwing also belong to the subfamily. Their natural range is limited to the Southern areas of the United States and their long thin wings, covered with distinct colors and patterns, makes them very easy to identify.

The eight butterflies listed in the box provide a representative sample of the subfamily. For identification purposes, top and side view pictures are presented when available.

© 2007-2008. Patricia A. Michaels