Goddess Hecale - Golden Longwing Butterfly
by KJ Swan
Title
Goddess Hecale - Golden Longwing Butterfly
Artist
KJ Swan
Medium
Photograph
Description
Like it's white and black markings, the magic of the mythical Greek Goddess Hecale were considered both light and dark. She was both protective and punishing.
The Goddess Hecale kept the company of Furies, said to be the ghosts of those murdered, who would use their wings to lift up wrong-doers and carry them away. Perhaps this beautiful butterfly was named after the mythological goddess because it isn't quite as innocent as it looks. The Golden Longwing's caterpillar is highly toxic, causing vomiting, paralysis and even death when ingested by foolish humans.
Heliconius hecale goes by many common names including Hecale Longwing and Golden Heliconian. This species is usually found between Mexico and Peru, especially in the forested areas of South America.
Uploaded
March 1st, 2023
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Comments (2)
Douglas Taylor
Thanks for the warning about this lethal beauty, KJ! Not that I would ever consider snacking on one... I'll just enjoy their beauty through your magnificent photography! Fav'd
KJ Swan replied:
Thank you Douglas! I always suspected you weren't foolish enough to snack on toxic critters. lol