
Zebra longwing caterpillars evolved the ability to thrive despite feeding on toxic passionflower plants.
The adults are unusual among butterflies in that they eat pollen as well as sip nectar. This ability contributes to their longevity—the Zebra Longwing can live up to 6 months as an adult.
Adults exhibit pupal mating in which males wait for a female to emerge from her pupa. Upon emergence, two or more males may fight in order to win a copulation. The winner mates with the females and prevents other males from doing so through a chemical transfer.
Know more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconius_charithonia
Gif via American Museum of Natural History
http://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/news-posts/thanksgiving-weekend-at-the-museum-origami-holiday-tree-power-of-poison-live-butterflies-and-more?utm_source=social-media&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_term=2013-11-27-wed&utm_campaign=weekend
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