A Zebra Longwing Butterfly, Heliconius charitonius. The Zebra Longwing is common across the country. They have an exceptional lifespan. Several months is not uncommon as compared to a week or two for most butterflies. Zebras have a range from South America, Central America, Mexico, parts of the lower coastal Southeast and Florida. Not much of a strayer or migrator, Zebras have on rare occasion been spotted in the Midwest.