The
Red Postman (
Heliconius erato) is a
butterfly found throughout northern
South America. This species has many different colour
morphs, and other species, particularly the
Postman,
mimic it, often making it difficult to accurately identify.
H. erato is one of the few butterflies that collects and digests
pollen, conferring considerable longevity (several months) to the adults.
Photo credit: Richard Bartz