heliconiid
Heliconiid refers to a subfamily of butterflies, Heliconiinae, within the family Nymphalidae. These butterflies are predominantly found in the Americas, ranging from the southern United States to South America. They are known for their vibrant and often warning coloration, which signals to predators that they are distasteful or toxic. This aposematism is a key characteristic of many heliconiid species.
The larval stages of heliconiids feed on plants from the passionflower family (Passifloraceae). The toxins present
Heliconiinae is a diverse subfamily, with many species exhibiting Batesian mimicry, where harmless species evolve to