June 2, 2023

I am a female Zebra Longwing butterfly

I'm laying eggs, so you know I'm not a boy

My eggs become caterpillars, then metamorphose

And soon - more  Zebra Longwings for you to enjoy!

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/zebra_longwing.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 27, 2022

I am known as a Zebra Longwing

In Florida, I'm the state butterfly

I have elongated striped wings with little red spots

It's hard to miss me as I flutter by.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/zebra_longwing.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 1, 2021

I am a Zebra Longwing

I eat both nectar and pollen

Because of that I live longer than most butterflies

And in Florida throughout the year I am common.

Location: My yard, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/zebra_longwing.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 26, 2021

This once was a Zebra Longwing

That met it's end despite it's color

The bright colors should tell predators 

"Tasty bugs have colors  much duller!"

Location: Fellsmere, my house

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/100years/zebra-longwing/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 20, 2020

I am a Zebra Longwing, 

The Florida state butterfly

I am not sexually dimorphic -

only my mate knows if I'm a girl or a guy.

Location: Fellsmere, my yard

Sources: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/zebra_longwing.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_dimorphism

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 16, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, my yard

I am a Zebra Longwing
Pollinating a firebush
My black and yellow stripes are aposematic
Which means they tell predators I don't taste good.

Sources: UF|IFAS Featured Creatures - Zebra Longing 

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 1, 2020

Location: Vero Beach, Private residence

We are male Zebra longwings
We might be roosting or doing something more nefarious -
Sometimes we hang on a females chrysalis and -
When she hatches, try to play her like a Stradivarius.

Special thanks to guest photographer, Heather Stapleton.

Sources:  Florida Wildflower Foundation - Know your native pollinators: Zebra longwings

Photo © 2020  Heather Stapleton, text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 29, 2019

Location: Washington Oaks Gardens, Palm Coast

I am a Zebra Longwing
My wings are striped yellow and black
I live longer than most other butterflies and
I eat nectar and pollen when I want a snack.

Sources: U.S. Forest Service - Zebra Longwing Butterfly (Heliconius charitonia)

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson