Longwing Butterflies

Longwing butterflies in the family Heliconius can be a little tricky to identify. They are smaller with a wing that is longer than it is wide. But one species in that group that is easier to spot is the Doris Longwing (Heliconius doris). Its wings always have a black background color, and there is always cream markings on the forewings. But on the hind wings there’s a very specific pattern that somewhat resembles upside-down hands, with many extended fingers. Those hand-like markings come in different gorgeous colors, including red, orange, blue and turquoise.