Cruiser butterflies have lots of personality!

As caterpillars they are very fast and frisky, and lab staff often have to chase after them during feeding time as they like to wander.

One interesting trait they have that distinguishes them from our other species is the tendency for female Cruisers to lay their eggs on dead-cell matter rather than directly on the leaf. Out in nature this might be on an old leaf or a nearby dead twig.

They have very cleverly figured out that not many things eat dead-cell matter and hence their eggs will have a better chance of survival.

If guides stand too long near their host plant (Passiflora) whilst talking on tour, they occasionally get ‘laid on’ in their hair – their hair being nearby dead-cell matter!