Butterflies are one of the most beautiful creations found in nature. Known as “flowers with wings”, almost all other creatures are attracted to these colourful beings. “There are about 17,000 species of butterflies in the world. India being one of the 17 "megadiverse" countries of the world, is host to a spectacular number of butterflies, around 1,800 species. About 15-20 per cent of these are endemic to India,” says Ms Anuradha Vinodh, Education officer of the Wildlife Education and extension wing.
They can be found anywhere in the world: in cities, villages, towns, meadows, forests, deserts, mangroves, and even on snow- capped mountains! However, we do not see butterflies in abundance in most of these places, despite many flowering plants being present. Only specific plants attract butterflies.
Hyderabad is one of those few cities, which is home to two Butterfly parks. These two parks attract an abundance of these beauties, due to the plants present there. One of these parks is located in the Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park and the other near the Deer park at the Jawahar Lake Tourist Complex at Shamirpet.
Butterflies are the adult, flying stage of the insects belonging to an order called Lepidoptera. The word "Lepidoptera" means "scaly wings" in Greek. Moths too belong to this group and they outnumber the butterflies in diversity and variety, continues Ms Anuradha.
Deadly diet
Butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, animal dung and even sweat. A butterfly also needs salts from the ground, so very often they sit on damp patches to take in salts from the soil.
Some butterflies love feeding on rotten fruit and even a little bit of alcohol. These beautiful insects help in pollination and play a significant role in the food chain as they are the food for lizards, birds and many other creatures.
“Butterfly species have extremely interesting names. These insects are very beautiful and attractive. Seeing a butterfly can make anyone of any age happy. It is indeed interesting to learn more about these flying nymphs”, says Minervi Gupta, a student who loves to read up on butterflies.
The WEE Wing of the Forest Department organises a “Brunch with Butterflies” programme for school children at either of the two Butterfly parks.
The programme includes a walk around the park, practical knowledge of the life cycle of a butterfly, an introduction to many of the host and nectar plants and a slide show on these beautiful creations.
Contact Ms Anuradha Vinodh, The Wildlife Education and Extension Wing of the AP Forest Department at 9848022307·
Difference between Butterflies and Moths:
Moths:
Active during night with exception of a few active during day.2. Have plump and furry bodies3. Antennae are feathery or hair-like.4. Rest with wings flat beside their body .5. Caterpillars may be hairy.6. Caterpillar forms a cocoon.
Butterflies:1. Active during day with exception of a few active during dusk.2. Have slender and hairless bodies3. Antennae are long and clubbed at tips.4. Rest with wings closed above their body.5. Caterpillar may be smooth or with spines.6. Caterpillar forms a chrysalis or a pupa (stage of rest)
