Heliconius melpomene melpomene laying on Passiflora menispermifolia

H. m. rosina x H. cydno hybrid (first generation backcross to H. cydno)
Laboratory reared hybrid photographed in the insectary in Panama.

H. melpomene rosina feeding.
Photo taken in insectary in Gamboa, Panama.

This is H. cydno cordula from eastern Colombia.  This species is one of the parents of the hybrid species, H. heurippa.
Photo provided by Mauricio Linares.

This is H. m. melpomene from the eastern cordillera of Colombia.  This is one of the putative parents of the hybrid species, H. heurippa.
Photo provided by Mauricio Linares.

Heliconius heurippa is a hybrid species formed from introgression of genes from H. melpomene melpomene into H. c. cordula.
Photo provided by Mauricio Linares.

Heliconius numata form tarapotensis.  I downloaded this photo from Mathieu Joron’s website after he complained of the melpomene-bias in the photo gallery.  Sorry, I just cant help it if melpomene is the most interesting species….  This photo is interesting because one can get confused between these two genera – the plant is Heliconia and the butterfly is Heliconius.  Both are named after Mount Helicon of greek mythology which is where the Muses hung out and dispensed sage advice.