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!
This story is from the May 2018 edition of Sanctuary Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2018 edition of Sanctuary Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Children Are Needed To Help Save The World
On my very first day in India, I encountered many marvelous new customs not practiced in the United States, my home country. But the most curious by far involved trees. Here and there, alongside the roaring streets of Mumbai were rings of marigold wreathed around twisting banyan trunks like dried rays of afternoon sunlight…
Who's Who?
Fact: all toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads! Let’s unpack this...
The Sea Raptor
The White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster is one of the most common raptors along the Indian coastline. Nevertheless, the sight of this soaring, broad-winged, white and black bird of prey is nothing less than majestic
Bringing Up Bob Hoots.
While we were visiting a friend’s farm in the village of Yelachetty, near Bandipur Tiger Reserve, we found Spotted Owlets nesting on the tiled roof… and one of the chicks on the kitchen floor!
Yala, Land Of The Leopard
Yala is not only Sri Lanka’s second-largest, but also the most-visited national park in the island nation.
The Wizards Of Oz!
Australia is not only a country, but also a continent. The land down under, cut-off from the rest of the world has an abundance of unique species of native animals, birds, reptiles, insects and plants.
Scales & Tails
I was really excited and looking forward to the workshop on reptiles and amphibians at Nature’s Nest in Mollem, Goa, between June 24 and 26, 2017. It was my opportunity to meet renowned herpetologist Varad Giri.
Big, Brilliant And Endangered
When one thinks of elephants, the first word that probably comes to mind is BIG! But elephants, while they may be the largest creatures on land, are not just big and powerful, they’re wise and sensitive as well. Recent scientific studies have established that they are among the most intelligent animals in the world.
Earth Manners
Everyday habits matter! Let’s be kind to the planet, animals and ourselves!
World Scan
CHINA’S IVORY TOWNAn explosive investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency has revealed how criminal gangs originating from an obscure town in southern China have come to dominate the smuggling of ivory tusks poached from African elephants.
