Postman Butterfly

Heliconius melpomene

The Postman Butterfly gets its name from its habit of returning to the same plants on the same daily route. Their bright coloring warns predators that they are toxic. It is native to Central and South America.

Recorded lineage

kingdomAnimaliaphylumArthropodaclassInsectaorderLepidopterafamilyNymphalidaegenusHeliconiusspeciesHeliconius melpomene

Observed

Apr 14, 2026

Location

Machu Picchu, Peru