Characteristic

Description

Forewings

Blue apical spot prominent in males; females have larger apical spots

Hindwings

Display reduced red spots

Comparison

Distinguished from Euthalia lubentina by differences in wing pattern

Aspect

Details

Definition

Butterflies are insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera along with moths.

Scientific Order

Lepidoptera

Body Structure

Divided into three parts – Head, Thorax, Abdomen; possess two pairs of wings and antennae

Metamorphosis

Undergo complete metamorphosis: Egg → Larva (caterpillar) → Pupa (chrysalis) → Adult

Feeding Habit

Most adults feed on nectar, while caterpillars feed on leaves/plants

Habitat

Found in forests, grasslands, wetlands, gardens and mountains across all continents except Antarctica

Ecological Role

Pollinators (especially for wildflowers) 

Indicators of a healthy ecosystem

Food source for birds and other animals

Difference from Moths

Butterflies are generally diurnal; moths are nocturnal

Butterfly antennae are clubbed, moths have feathery or threadlike ones

Conservation Status

Many species are threatened due to habitat loss, pesticides, climate change and invasive species

Examples (India)

Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) – State butterfly of Maharashtra 

Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis) – Rare butterfly of Eastern Himalayas

Biodiversity Hotspots

Western Ghats

Northeast India

Himalayan region

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Threats

Deforestation 
Overuse of pesticides 

Invasive alien plants 

Climate change impacts

Conservation Efforts

Butterfly gardens (e.g., Bannerghatta, Bengaluru) 

Citizen science projects 

Legal protection under Wildlife Protection Act

Legal Protection

Some butterflies like Kaiser-i-Hind are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Interesting Fact

Some butterflies migrate seasonally e.g., Lemon Pansy, Plain Tiger across regions in India

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the butterfly species Euthalia malaccana recently seen in news consider the following statements:

1. It was recently recorded for the first time in India from the Western Ghats.
2. It was earlier considered a subspecies of Euthalia adonia.
3. It is native to Southeast Asia.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: It was found in Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalayas) not the Western Ghats.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct.