The Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonia) is also sometimes called Zebra Longwing. It is tropical species which occurs in the extreme southern United States and Mexico. In late summer the species sometimes wanders north into the midwest region of the U.S. The top 9 shots on the left were taken in the butterfly garden at the Zilker Botanical Gardens, in Austin, Travis Co., Texas. These shots were taken in a greehouse where there had been a hatch of the species. These images were taken with a Canon EOS 10D and an EF 70-200 F/2.8 L IS lens and 2X extender.

The shot on the left was taken along the bank of the Colorado River in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in August, 2007, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender.

The image on the left was taken in Austin, Texas, in October, 2007, with the same gear as described just above.

During mild winters, this species may linger quite late in central Texas. The Zebra on the left was in Austin, Texas in late December, 2007. This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 40D and EF 300mm F/4 l IS lens and 1.4X extender.