The Postman (Heliconius melpomene cythera)
This slow-flying butterfly avoids bright sunlight, keeping to the shadier parts of the forest edges which it inhabits. In the rainy season it can be commonly found in forest / pasture mosaics, but abandons these in favour of more heavily forested areas in the dry season.
Heliconius melpomene is one of the commonest and most widespread of the Longwings, found from Mexico to Bolivia. The butterfly occurs commonly at elevations between sea level and about 2400m on both sides of the Andes.
Heliconius butterflies are characterised by having a very delicate fluttering flight, particularly when hovering around flowers. Both sexes visit Lantana and many other flowers for nectar, and sequester pollen from Psiguria flowers in the forest. They could learn and remember the exact location of particular Psiguria plants, which they visit daily, following a predefined circuit through the forest.
