I am beyond thrilled to share that one of the Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia) butterflies I released into my garden returned today! There is nothing more satisfying than that, in my opinion, as I have introduced a new species to my butterfly oasis. I have read that the Julia travels the same path every day looking for nectar, which might be why it is reappearing in the garden.

As with other “longwing” butterflies, such as the zebra longwing, its proboscis enables this butterfly to also drink pollen, which has amino acids that are not present in nectar. With the ability to drink pollen, the Julia butterfly lives a longer life.

Now time to get some more corkystem passionvine for the back garden, so they can start leaving behind more eggs!

Today we had our fourth Julia butterfly emerge, which joined the other that fluttered into the garden.

Our third Julia butterfly emerged today from our butterfly house. I am so excited the temperatures are warmer and these beauties are making their grand entrance. This one did not want to go, but rather was content on sitting on my finger. So needless to say, I took constant photos, while also admiring the beauty. I have to say raising butterflies is so incredibly gratifying and rewarding.

The Julia heliconian butterfly is one of three in the heliconian subfamily – a member of the longwing. I read that the Julia’s legs are covered in short bristles. Their elongated wings can stretch to 9.2 centimeters.

The male butterfly is brighter orange with black spots toward the apex, while the female is duller orange with black bars across the apex.

I am so grateful this beauty stayed with me for a little while before it flew into the garden and stayed even longer. It’s an extraordinary moment when a butterfly rests on your finger, or hand, especially one that has never before! I sure hope this species becomes a permanent visitor of the garden.

As promised here are photographs of the Julia butterfly that emerged yesterday, successfully released today.