Butterflies... Masters Of Metamorphosis

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.

- Rohan Arora

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!