“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House and meet our newest residents.
Philippines
24 - Cethosia biblis (Red Lacewing)
20 - Danaus chrysippus (Plain Tiger)
12 - Doleschalia bisaltide (Autumn Leaf)
20 - Graphium Agamemnon (Tailed Jay)
100 - Hypolimnas bolina (Great Eggfly)
100 - Idea leuconoe (Paper Kite)
12 - Pachliopta kotzeboea (Pink Rose)
60 - Papilio lowii (Sunset Swallowtail)
20 - Papilio palinurus (Banded Peacock)
25 - Papilio polytes (Polite swallowtail)
20 - Papilio rumanzovia (Crimson Swallowtail)
20 - Parthenus sylvia (Blue Clipper)
Does anyone know or want to guess which Philippine butterfly is pictured above?
ReplyDeleteWant to learn more about raising butterflies. Check out this URL:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.butterflybreeders.org
The International Butterfly Breeders Association. A professional trade organization for butterfly farmers.
Dan Staehr
IBBA Executive Director
Without stating the name of the butterfly in the photo, I will state that we really do have 100 of them and if you like purple, this is your lucky time to visit. The males have a deep and gorgous flash of purple around the white patch on the hind wing - it only shows at certain angles. It is so worth it to look at butterflies from different angles - you may look silly but that's the only way to fully appreciate the varying colors in irridescent species.
ReplyDeleteHypolimnas bolina - Great eggfly? Am I right?
ReplyDeleteI don't love the name (eggfly? gross. bolina? reminds me of bolemia), but these, believe it or not, are my favorite butterflies in the tropical butterfly house *gasp*.
They have been my favorite ever since I saw a tidbit on a documentary about how scientists study the white markings on their wings (or those of a similar looking species).
Now, we all know that nectar eaters like butterflies and bees can see in the ultraviolet range, so flowers have evolved to have those landing strips of directional patterns that scream "drink me" to anyone who can see it.
These particular butterflies have Ultra Violet markings that correspond with those white/iridescent patches. Well waddya know!?! I just searched real quick, and it looks like only males of this species have them. The study that I saw in the documentary showed that when they put some clear, UV blocking paint over the spots, they were unattractive to mates. Well, duh.
Even though these butterflies are already beautiful with their purple and blue iridescence, there is another 'invisible' layer of ornamentation, just to cover all their bases. Brilliant!
Portia - You not only get a Gold Star but also extra credit points for your answer. You also have immunity in the next round. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, thank you for the information. As you and Antwatcher point out, Hypolimnas bolina is a very beautiful butterfly that must be seen in person to be appreciated. Photos can't capture their irridescent colors.