The Red Postman (Heliconius erato) is a striking butterfly in the Nymphalidae family and the Heliconiinae subfamily. Known for its vivid coloration and slow, graceful flight. The upper side of the wings is black with bright red vertical bands, and a white horizontal stripe. The caterpillars feed on passionflower vines (Passiflora species), which contain toxic compounds. These toxins are retained by the larvae and transferred to adults, making them distasteful to predators.