Rare species drop in at Srirangam’s Tropical Butterfly Conservatory

Peacock Pansy (Junonia almana).
| Photo Credit:
K. JAYANTHI

Southern Birdwing.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Danaid Eggfly
| Photo Credit:
FILE PHOTO

Rare species are getting to be a regular sight these days at the Tropical Butterfly Conservatory in Srirangam that underwent a major facelift recently.

A senior Forest Department official told The Hindu that the renovation of the 25-acre park, located in Upper Anaicut Reserve Forest near Melur, had improved both visitor footfalls and the number of butterflies being spotted here after it reopened in May.

“Newly introduced plants in the park support the hosting and breeding of butterflies. As a result, we are seeing species such as Southern Birdwing, Great Orange Tip, Peacock Pansy, Great Eggfly, Common Palm Fly and others more often in the park. These are considered rare in our region,” the official said.

The Common Palmfly and the Baronet were the 130th and 131st identified species at the park this year.

Caterpillars of the Palmfly mimic leaves which they feed on. Baronet adult males commonly exhibit a behaviour known as ‘mud-puddling’, where they settle on the ground to imbibe mineralised moisture from the soil, fallen branches, and other decomposing vegetation.

The Southern Birdwing, with a wingspan of 140–190 mm and is known to be India’s second largest butterfly, found in the Western Ghats. Danaid Eggfly is legally protected in India under Schedule I as well as Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Since reopening, the numbers of butterflies has shown a steady rise from June, according to official statistics. A total of 1,270 butterflies were recorded in June at the conservatory, followed by 1,350 in July, 1,410 in August and 1,680 in September respectively.

The number rose to 2,060 in October, aided by the relatively cooler temperature, said the official. “Staff record visible insects regularly in the daytime. There may be many more insects that may be sheltering in the foliage without being spotted,” he said.