China’s largest butterfly spotted in urban area
2024-07-30 21:07:01
Scientists unexpectedly spotted China’s largest butterfly in an urban area of Yichang on July 29.
The Golden Kaiserihind butterfly (Troides aeacus) was spotted in the Xiaoxita area of Yiling District. The national second-class protected animal is the largest known butterfly species in China, boasting an impressive wingspan of 16 centimeters. These butterflies prefer to glide, and although they fly slowly, their unique flight patterns cause them to stand out. Their forewings are deep black, while their hindwings showcase a stunning combination of golden yellow and black patterns, earning them the title of "China's most beautiful butterfly”.
These magnificent creatures primarily inhabit low-altitude hills and mountains below 1,200 meters above sea level. The caterpillars feed mainly on the leaves of various Aristolochia plants, however, the Golden Kaiserihind's survival was under threat due to habitat fragmentation and human interference.
Yichang is an important habitat for these butterflies. This encounter was the first discovery of the insect in an urban area of Yichang. This finding not only enriches Yichang's biodiversity database but also provides crucial scientific evidence for further biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization efforts in the region.
The Golden Kaiserihind butterfly (Troides aeacus) was spotted in the Xiaoxita area of Yiling District. The national second-class protected animal is the largest known butterfly species in China, boasting an impressive wingspan of 16 centimeters. These butterflies prefer to glide, and although they fly slowly, their unique flight patterns cause them to stand out. Their forewings are deep black, while their hindwings showcase a stunning combination of golden yellow and black patterns, earning them the title of "China's most beautiful butterfly”.
These magnificent creatures primarily inhabit low-altitude hills and mountains below 1,200 meters above sea level. The caterpillars feed mainly on the leaves of various Aristolochia plants, however, the Golden Kaiserihind's survival was under threat due to habitat fragmentation and human interference.
Yichang is an important habitat for these butterflies. This encounter was the first discovery of the insect in an urban area of Yichang. This finding not only enriches Yichang's biodiversity database but also provides crucial scientific evidence for further biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization efforts in the region.
