The Official Florida State Insect

Zebra Longwing

The Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia) is a species of butterfly native to the southeastern United States and parts of Central and South America. It has a wingspan of up to 4 inches and is characterized by its black wings with bold white stripes that resemble a zebra’s stripes. The Zebra Longwing is also the official state insect of Florida. It was chosen as the state insect in 1996 after a concerted campaign by school children who wrote letters to their state legislators and organized rallies and marches in support of the butterfly. The butterfly was selected for its beauty and its ability to represent the diverse and unique habitats of the state. The Zebra Longwing is a long-lived butterfly, with some individuals living up to five months, and is an important pollinator of many wild plants. It feeds primarily on the nectar of flowers such as red and pink pentas, purple lantanas, and Spanish needles. This species is considered a threatened species in Florida due to the loss of its natural habitat and the use of pesticides. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Zebra Longwing and its habitat.

The Zebra Longwing is the only species of butterfly in North America with yellow stripes on its wings. It is also the only species of butterfly in Florida that does not migrate. It is believed that the Zebra Longwing has been in Florida for thousands of years.

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