Butterflies have always fascinated humankind. Among insects they are certainly among the most attractive – they come in so many beautiful shapes, colours and patterns. Their charm has made them very popular and they are well celebrated in arts and culture.
Butterflies are important components of biodiversity and play a key role in the food chains of several ecosystems. A number of arthropods, birds and reptiles feed on butterfly eggs, larvae and even adult butterflies. Most butterflies are pollinators of flowering plants. Also they are good biological indicators* of environmental health.
Butterflies have short lifespans. Small butterflies, like blues, may live only for a few weeks, while larger butterflies, like swallowtails, can live for a few months. There are about 18,000 species of butterflies in the world and India has more than 1,500 of them. Now, isn’t that exciting!
CURIOUS KID
When I was younger, I ran after butterflies and tried to catch these spectacular insects. I used to wonder to myself, “Where do they come from?” “Where do they build their nests?” As I grew older, I learned that butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis in four distinct stages. I could hardly believe this! How different the caterpillar looked as compared to the pupa and the butterfly. I thought that if I could see so many butterflies, the pupal cases or the chrysalis from which they had emerged must be around too. So I decided to keep a close watch on the butterflies visiting my backyard.
ON MY WATCH!
I had noticed that the lemon plants and curry leaf plants in my backyard attracted hordes of butterflies like common mormons, lime swallowtails and common yellow swallowtails. I had learned that butterflies lay eggs on one or few select plant species, which are identified by the female with the help of chemo-receptors that are sensitive to taste and smell. They are found on the antennae and under the surface of the butterfly’s feet!. I was sure that the butterflies were visiting the plants in my backyard to lay eggs.
BUTTERFLY EGG-HUNT!
Esta historia es de la edición May 2018 de Sanctuary Asia.
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Esta historia es de la edición May 2018 de Sanctuary Asia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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