Telesiphe Longwing (Heliconius telesiphe) - a real specimen in a black frame.

Frame size: 4" x 4".

The frame is double-pane glass with no backing board - the specimen sits between two panes of glass, so whatever is behind the frame shows through. The white background in the photos is our photo backdrop, not part of the frame.

This longwing comes from the eastern slopes of the Andes. Like other Heliconius butterflies, it is unusual in feeding on pollen as well as nectar, which fuels a lifespan of months rather than the usual butterfly weeks. Its rust-orange and black coloring is a warning: the caterpillars feed on passionflower vines, making the adults toxic to predators.

Ethically scavenged: all of our butterflies and insects come from an insect sanctuary in Peru. Once they pass away naturally, they are gathered and framed - no creatures are harmed for these pieces.

Please note: each specimen is a natural, one-of-a-kind piece. The photos show a representative example of this species, and the specimen you receive may vary slightly in size, coloring, or pattern from the one pictured.