India’s Second Largest Butterfly Species Discovered in TamilNadu
India’s second-largest butterfly, the Southern Birdwing, was recently spotted on the satellite campus of The American College in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This discovery sheds light on the region’s changing movements of butterfly species.
About the Southern Birdwing
The Southern Birdwing was once considered the largest butterfly in India, with a wingspan of 190mm. However, in 2020, it was surpassed by the Golden Birdwing, which has a wingspan of 194mm, according to a British researcher, Brigadier William Harry Evans. It prefers areas close to water, such as the rivers and streams in the Western Ghats. The males of this species are known for their bright yellow and black colors, while the females, though larger, have more muted tones. The butterfly primarily feeds on the nectar of flowers like Bougainvillea and is the state butterfly of Tamil Nadu. As an indicator of ecological health, its presence shows the importance of maintaining a balanced and diverse environment.
In both the Southern and Golden Birdwing species, females are generally larger than males. This size difference is common among butterflies and can affect how they behave during mating.
Where are these butterflies found?
The Golden Birdwing is mostly found in the Himalayan region, while the Southern Birdwing lives primarily in the Western and Eastern Ghats, mountainous regions in southern India. Initially thought to be only in the Western Ghats, the Southern Birdwing was first seen in the Azahagar hills near Madurai in 2014 by researchers from The American College.
Conservation Status
The Southern and Golden Birdwing butterflies are classified as species of “least concern” regarding the risk of extinction. However, they are essential to their ecosystems, helping to maintain biodiversity by pollinating plants and flowers.
September marks the migration season for butterflies, including the Southern Birdwing. The recent sighting in Madurai may be linked to the species’ search for suitable breeding grounds during this time of year. The butterfly is also common in areas like the Sirumalai hills near Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.
Related Posts
Month: Current Affairs - September, 2024
Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs