Saturday, May 17, 2014

Meet Julia



I met Julia Longwing last week at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Dryas iulia commonly called the Julia Butterfly, Julia Heliconian, The Flame, or Flambeau, is a species of brush-footed butterfly. The sole representative of its genus Dryas, it is native from Brazil to southern Texas and Florida, and in summer can sometimes be found as far north as eastern Nebraska. Over 15 subspecies have been described.


Julia Butterfly

Its wingspan ranges from 82 to 92 mm, and it is colored orange (brighter in male specimens) with black markings; this species is somewhat unpalatable to birds.

This butterfly is a fast flier and frequents clearings, paths, and margins of forests and woodlands. It feeds on the nectar of flowers, such as lantanas (Lantana) and Shepherd's-needle (Scandix pecten-veneris). Its caterpillar feeds on leaves of passion vines including Passiflora affinis and Yellow Passionflower (P. lutea) in Texas.


Julia Butterfly

The species is popular in butterfly houses because it is long-lived and active throughout the day.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Thank you to Eileen for Saturday Critters.

Camera Critters
Thanks, Misty!


33 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

Julia is a beauty!

Vee said...

Isn't she lovely?! Wears my favorite color, too. She can even do impersonations because she's acting like a moth in that last shot.

Ela said...

Really gorgeous !!!

Bob Bushell said...

Precious butterfly.

Lynne said...

Gorgeous Gold . . .

Stephanie said...

She is a beauty!

Phil Slade said...

Julia is certainly very beautiful and I learned something new from your post today. Thank you.

FAB said...

That's a beauty.

Andrea said...

Oh i love butterflies, and this one is really great, big and beautiful. We don't have it but longwings are awesome!

TexWisGirl said...

lovely!

Pondside said...

Julia is a beauty!

Deborah said...

Oh, Julia is a beauty!

**blows kisses**
Deb

DeniseinVA said...

I like Julia very much, beautiful and lovely photos!

Lina Gustina said...

Lovely Julia.
www.1sthappyfamily.com/2014/05/a-bug.html

Melissa Hopper said...

Love #cameracritters

http://naturalbeautism.blogspot.com/2014/05/atkins-pickle-fest-2014.html

sunshine said...

Wonderful butterfly.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Pleased to meet her..what a beauty! :) Your photos certainly do her honor :)

Icy BC said...

Oh wow..she is beautiful and gorgeous in orange color too!

Karen said...

How lovely, it almost glows!

Carletta said...

Julia is a golden beauty!

vivi ka said...

So beautiful!

NatureFootstep said...

a very beautiful butterfly. Thanks for sharing. :)

Party of 5 said...

Gorgeous. I am a huge fan of butterflies.

Alexa T said...

Beautiful and colorful butterfly!!... All the best!

RaeAbigael said...

beautiful butterfly <3
i love their species so much :D

xoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net/

Roan said...

Julia is lovely!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

A beauty

betty-NZ said...

Butterflies come in such amazing sizes and colors and this one is just fabulous!

Unknown said...

It was nice of Julia to pose for you. :)

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

She's beautiful! Those yellow wings are exquisite. I have never heard of a Julia. Virginia is probably too far north for her--that's a shame.

orchid0324 said...

Gorgeous yellow butterfly Julia Longwing♡♡♡ I was SO amazed the color which I've never seen for butterfly(^_^)v

Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

eileeninmd said...

It is a gorgeous butterfly and a lovely color.. I am trying to catch up after being away. Thank you so much for linking up to my critter party. Have a happy day!

Mary said...

Snap, I am always fascinated by the miracle of the butterfly! Julia is a beauty :)