About Heliconius numatus (Cramer, 1780)
Heliconius numatus (Cramer, 1780) (also referenced as Heliconius numata in the original text) has a wingspan of 78 millimetres, which equals 3.1 inches. These very large butterflies have long, rounded wings that are brown and orange in color. Their markings are highly variable, because this species can mimic multiple other species. The caterpillar of this species is white, with black spots and black thorns. This species is native to most of South America, ranging from Venezuela to southern Brazil. Documented countries within its range include Guyana, French Guiana, Surinam, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil and Peru. Note that Guatemala, listed in the original range, is located in Central America rather than South America. This is a neotropical species. It is less common in virgin forest than in areas of secondary growth. It can be found in tall forests at elevations between 0 and 1,800 metres (0 to 5,906 ft) above sea level.
