zebra longwing

[Anne Kilmer]

My bet is that these bugs were released in California. We have plenty of
them where I am; they chain to sleep outside my bedroom window
sometimes. 
They are easily raised in captivity. 
When a butterfly is easy to buy,and host plants are easily found and
grown, the conclusion is predictable. 
Logic does require a third inclusive premise ... perhaps that people
love to grow and release beautiful butterflies.  
 Since you ask. 
Anne Kilmer
South Florida
Mistress of the Undistributed Middle. 
Chris Conlan wrote:
> 
> >>> Please advise:  Is Heliconius charitonius (zebra longwing) resident in
> >>> California?  Thanks in advance -
> >>
> >> Apparently it is.  The website at ;
> >> http://www.pro-visions.com/butterflies.htm
> >> has its range in S. USA to Mexico
> >
> 
> Ummm, last time I checked Florida and Texas counted as the S. USA too (I'm
> sure Ann can give her perspective).  It's common there but it just doesn't
> seem to be happy in California.  Probably not enough of the right passion
> vines and our winter season is likely a touch too long.  The folks I know in
> S. CA who have tried to keep them going over the winter in outdoor screen
> houses have lost them nearly every time.
> 
> Chris