BUTTERFLY VARIETIES AROUND US

Butterflies have always fascinated everyone since their childhood. It’s sure that each and every person imbibed the alluring beauty of nature through its tiny attributes that may include these dazzling butterflies. But, we have never tried to know about their peculiarities and efficacies. Hence, this article is presenting the details and features of different Butterfly varieties around us 1. Adonis Blue 2. Dingy Skipper 3. Red Admiral 4. Small Tortoiseshell 5. Black Swallowtail

1. Adonis Blue

As the name suggests, Adonis blue butterflies have blue-colored wings. The color of the border at the edge of their wings is convenient to specify their gender as the male butterflies of this group have a white border whereas female ones have a brown-colored border. They also have orange-colored bow-shaped curves towards the brink of their wings. Their scientific name is Polyommatus bellargus and they belong to the butterfly family Lycaenidae. Adonis blue butterflies are mainly found in many parts of Europe and Asia. Chalky grasslands with hot and dry conditions are their preferred habitats.

2. Dingy Skipper

 Dingy skipper butterflies of the skipper family are popular for their camouflage. They are usually confused with some moths due to their similar looks and rest with their wings just like moths. There are about 3400 varieties of skippers and the more popular ones are grass skippers, giant skippers, checkered skippers, and small skippers. Their habitat ranges from Europe to Asia and is commonly seen in grassy environments up to 2000 meters above sea level. During the daytime, they relax on grounds with spread wings, and at night, they settle on the top of flowers by folding their wings in a curved position as moths do.

3. Red Admiral

Red admiral butterflies are very much alluring to watch upon due to the striking red, black, and dark brown color patterns in wings. They are found in balmy zones of Europe, Asia, and North America and it is one of the last butterflies to be seen before the commencement of the winter season. In England, they’re the widespread species and can be found anywhere. Red admirals possess many specialties like they reside only in sunny areas and migrate like monarch butterflies. They have 45 to 50 millimeters of wingspread.

4. Small Tortoiseshell

 The small tortoiseshell is medium-sized butterflies with reddish-orange color and has a wingspan from 4.5 to 5 cm. They are mainly found in temperate regions of Europe, China, Mongolia, Korea and, but now they’re facing a rapid decline in number. Even though there are many subspecies in this butterfly group and their host plant is common, they are confronting extinction due to climate changes. Their swift-winged feature helps them to escape from predators by flying away in a straight line.

5. Black Swallowtail

The black swallowtail butterfly species is named after a character in Greek mythology, Polyxena, who was the daughter of King Priam of Troy. Its caterpillar is called the parsley worm as it feeds on a parsley plant. They are vastly seen in the continent of North America and these butterflies are capable to live longer than any other butterflies in temperate regions due to little predation. Owing to the presence of tails in their hindwings, they are included in the species swallowtail and have a wingspan of 7 to 8 cm. The female ones are larger than male ones and the females are known for Batesian mimicry.  Black Swallowtail caterpillars have a gland that looks like a snake’s tongue and use this to drive away predators.

I wish that you get to know more about the specialties of Butterfly varieties around us.