Confirmation of the northermost population of the endangered butterfly Heliconius nattereri C. Felder & R. Felder, 1865 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Abstract

Abstract Heliconius nattereri C. Felder & R. Felder, 1865 is an enigmatic and rarely collected species. Because of severe habitat reduction, the species is currently listed as endangered. We here report the confirmation of a northernmost population. This collection and further observations reported here add two more known localites to the distribution of the species. Two of the three confirmed locations are in protected areas. We worry that the northern population may be at great risk because it is not formally protected. We urge conservation efforts to preserve the local forests where the species is found.