Characteristics
 The
zebra longwing butterfly has long, narrow wings. Its wings are black with light
yellow zebra-like stripes. It has long black antennae.
Range
The zebra longwing butterfly can be found in the southern
United States from Texas to Florida. It is also found in Central America and northern South
America.
Habitat
The zebra longwing butterfly lives in warm, damp
tropical areas. It is often found in hammocks and thickets.
Diet
 The zebra longwing butterfly caterpillars eat the leaves of passion flowers. The passion flower contains a toxin that gives the zebra longwing an unpleasant taste and makes it poisonous to predators. The butterfly drinks the nectar of a wide range of flowers.
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Life Cycle
 The zebra longwing butterfly begins mating right after it emerges from its chrysalis. The female lays five to fifteen eggs on the leaves of passion flower vines. The caterpillar has a white body with long black spines and a yellow head. If weather conditions are right, the zebra longwing butterfly can go from egg to butterfly in a little over three weeks.
Behavior
 When it is disturbed, the zebra longwing butterfly makes a creaking sound by wiggling its body. At night, large groups will
roost together on tree limbs. They return to the same roost night after
night.
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