Florida's State Butterfly....
The Zebra Longwing has disappeared from the southernmost tip of Florida due to loss of habitat, but can be seen here mostly from December to February.
It has a wide range of habitats, including hardwood hammocks, thickets, and gardens.
This specimen was photographed amid beach debris.
This specimen was photographed amid beach debris.
The zebra longwing butterfly lays its eggs on passion vine leaves. Passion vines contain toxins that are consumed by the caterpillars, which make the adult butterflies poisonous to predators.
Photo by John Sarzoky
Photo by John Sarzoky