We truly hope that each of you, our readers, will fully enjoy and appreciate this article about these 4 Beautiful Butterflies of Asia. It was certainly a great pleasure for us to compile the information for you. May it both educate and enlighten you about these wonders.
Obviously, the species presented herein form only a tiny percentage of the butterfly varieties found in this region. It’s our belief, however, that they serve as excellent examples of the Lepidoptera to be seen in the area. You’ll also find related creatures in our other articles.
Orange Oakleaf
Orange Oakleaf Facts
- Leading off this article about 4 Beautiful Butterflies of Asia comes the dazzling creature known simply as the Orange Oakleaf.
- This magnificent Lepidoptera most frequently goes by the unusual, but descriptive and somewhat informative, common name for excellent reasons. The beautiful insect also possesses several other general names, though, in various parts of its range.
- These include such terms as the dead leaf and the Indian oakleaf. Professionals, like researchers, typically refer to it by its formal scientific name. That’s the less colorful term of the Kallima inachus. But, by either name, it’s a beautiful species.
- It received its technical name due to the work of the respected French zoologist, Louis Michel François Doyère. This noted researcher made the first formal ackowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. This noteworthy action occurred in 1840.
- Fortunately, the stunning butterfly appears to currently be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. This fortunate trend also seems to hold true throughout the entirety of the known native range of the breathtaking invertebrate.
- This sitution further distinguishes it from many of its relatives, unfortunately for them. Due to that situation, however, the IUCN presently has no listing for the species. If it held a status with them, it would appear on the organization’s updated Red List.
- The marvelous Orange Oakleaf does face some potential threats to its existence. That’s because, like nuerous creatures, habitat loss presents a potential threat. Most likely, though, its greatest threat comes from the effects of ongoing climate change.
Orange Oakleaf Physical Description
The vusually stunning Orange Oakleaf clearly garners attention and admiration from those fortunate enough to encounter it. The dazzling Arthropod further does so for several reasons. This alone distinguishes it from many of its countless relatives globally.
For starters, part of that’s due to the fact that it ranks as comparatively large for a butterfly. It also, much like many other Lepidopotera, displays a moderate degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case though, it’s not in size.
Mature individuals of both genders therefore remain virtually identical in overall average sizes. This often varies from region to region, however. That’s typically due to various environmental factors. A typical wingspan nevertheless ranges from 3.3 – 4.3 in (8.5 – 11 cm).
It’s in general appearance, though, that the gender-based difference manifests itself, though in only minor ways. The upper side of the hindwing primarily presents as a light blue shade. It also displays mulitple light colored lines, running from front to back.
The upper side of the forewings, however, present a strikingly different pattern. These, in fact, manifest a pattern of three different sections. The outer area shows deep black, with a small white spot near the tip. The middle, though, shows orange, and the base light blue.
Yet it’s the under side of both wings that truly set the Orange Oakleaf apart. That’s due to the extraordinary degree of camouflage the invertebrate has evolved. This part of the wings present shades of dark and light brown, with a texture resembling a dried leaf.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Kallima
- Species: K. inachus
Orange Oakleaf Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
For those of us who appreciate Nature, it’s pleasant to know that the remarkable Orange Oakleaf inhabits a moderately extensive part of the globe. That’s due to the fact that this marvel of evolution evolved as native to certain sections of the continent of Asia.
Generally speaking, this native zone of habitation extends roughly from Japan to India. Within that zone, though, it naturally appears ins some areas more than others. The majority of specimens therefore live in countries that include Nepal, India, China, and Taiwan.
Across the regions in which it appears, however, it displays a fairly impressive versatility. That’s due to the fact that it appears across a wide range of altitudes. Some concentrations appear at or near sea level. Others, meanwhile, live as high as 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
In all of these habitats, though, the invertebrate displays decided preferences for the type of environment it calls home. That’s because the vast majority of individuals live in dense forests. Most further appear along small streams, and amongst the dense undergrowth.
Like many of the species in its Family, the beautiful Orange Oakleaf evolved as frugivorous in nature. It therefore possesses a strong preference for certain sources of food. These sources principally consist of the sap from local trees, and various overly ripe fruit.
On the other hand, its own predators include a wide array of creatures. This list mainly includes local species of ants, spiders, birds, and wasps, though. In defense, it developed powerful wings, making it a strong flyer. Camouflage remains its main defense, however.
Death’s-head Hawkmoth
Death’s-head Hawkmoth Facts
- The next species appearing in the listing of 4 Beautiful Butterflies of Asia is the hightly unique creature known as the Death’s-head Hawkmoth.
- Distinctively, the eye-catching common name for this amazing Lepidoptera remains what it does due to its strange appearance. Perhaps most notably, though, the term actually serves as the common name for a total of three species within the genus.
- The distinctiveness of these three forms, however, does not simply stop there. That’s because, in addition to the astonishing obvious physical trait, other facts also set it apart from most other types of moths. These, in fact, are fascinating in their own right.
- First of all, the astonishing and highly unusual Death’s-head Hawkmoth evolved the ability to emit a high-pitched chirp. This action only occurs, though, when the arthropod feels either threatened or irritated. Few insects can make sounds internally.
- Secondly, all three varieties also evolved as relatively rapid fliers. In point of fact, one of them, the Acherontia atropis, constitutes the fastest known moth on earth. That’s because individuals of that species can reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph).
- The IUCN, furthermore, does not currently have a listing for any of the three varieties. That’s surprising, given the fact that each of them qualifies as quite rare. Like many creatures, it obviously faces threats such as climate change and habitat loss.
Death’s-head Hawkmoth Physical Description
Not surprisingly, physical differences naturally exist between the different types of Death’s-head Hawkmoth. All three types, however, also as is to be expected, remain quite similar in terms of appearance. Many general descriptions therefore apply to them all.
It must be pointed out, though, that measured adult wingspan varies significantly, even within the same gender and species. While not unknown, this trait definitely qualifies as uncommon. Due to this fact, adults range in width of wings from 2 – 8 in (5 – 20 cm).
In addition, like the majority of Lepidoptera, this marvel of Nature displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism. As a result of this physiological trait, in its case, females generally develop slightly larger than the males. These also tend to be bulkier in shape.
The body of the magnificent Death’s-head Hawkmoth also displays a comparatively thick, bullet-shaped form. The two forewings further develop long and narrow. Yet the hindwings, however, appear much shorter, like most related forms of invertebrate.
Its coloring also varies, quite understandably. But these typically consist of combinations of shades of brown, black, gray, and yellow. The astounding presence of a human skull-like marking on the back of the thorax, however, represents its most memorable feature.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Acherontia
Death’s-head Hawkmoth Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The species bearing the common name of Death’s-head Hawkmoth also have different habitat ranges. That alone sets them apart from many of their peers. One appears in parts of Europe. The other two members of the genus, however, live in scattered sections of Asia.
All forms of this amazing insect, furthermore, seem to be highly adaptable to varying habitats. As a general rule, though, the insect appears in regions with substantial foliage. This most commonly includes temperate forests, as well as parks, and even home gardens.
The larval form of the Death’s-head Hawkmoth stays on or near a single host plant. These it feeds on voraciously. It shows no preference for type of host. The adults show a preference for honey, in addition to fruit. As a result, adults often raid the hives of honeybees.
Its own natural predators, meanwhile, consist of the same as other moths. These mainly consist of the various birds found in its region. Many bats also love to feed on it, though. Finally, the chirping ability it evolved serves the intended purpose of deterring these.
Emerald Swallowtail
Emerald Swallowtail Facts
- The third insect appearing in this compendium of 4 Beautiful Butterflies of Asia, the Emerald Swallowtail, places there only due to random selection.
- This dazzling natural marvel bears several common names, the most frequently used being the one used here. The other terms often applied to it, though, include those of the emerald peacock and the deceptive term of green-banded peacock.
- Its official scientific name, however, remains much more difficult to pronounce. That because professionals use the term Papilio palinurus to formally refer to it. By either of these names, however, it easily ranks as one of the most beautiful of Lepidoptera.
- A total of 6 recognized subspecies also exist of this insect. Perhaps somewhat miraculously, for the moment, each of these subspecies, as well as the Emerald Swallowtail, appears on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, as Least Concern.
- That fact owes its existence to several factors. The first of these is the fact that it evolved as native to a relatively large area. The second reason may be less laudable, but nonetheless does play a role in protecting and helping to insure its continued survival.
- That’s because this marvelous butterfly consistently ranks as one of the most popular in butterfly houses around the world. Though certainly pleasing, the fortunate fact of its relative safety from extinction could easily change in the near future, however.
- Within its native habitat range, the marvelous work of Nature faces several threats. The actions of collectors remains one of these, of course. Its greatest peril, though, no doubt consists of the ongoing and ever-increasing effects of climate change.
Emerald Swallowtail Physical Description
The magnificent Emerald Swallowtail impresses those who see it many ways. Unlike some beautiful Lepidoptera, however, it does so not only with its visual splendor, but in terms of sheer size, as well. In point of fact, it’s a larger than average variety of butterfly.
Also distinguishing itself from many other butterflies, this breathtaking beauty does not display any noticeable sexual dimorphism. Distinguishing males from females, therefore, can be quite difficult for the untrained observer. Both sexes are gorgeous, though.
Individuals of both genders attain an average wingspan of between 3.1 – 3.9 in (8 – 10 cm). Astonishingly, though, the top and bottom of the two wings display radically different patterns. While that’s not uncommon, this species takes the principle to a high level.
The top side serves as the origin of the various common names, including that of Emerald Swallowtail. That’s due to the amazing green color displayed. This ranges from dark green, to a shade that’s almost black. It also shows dark green bands in a V shape.
The underside, meanwhile, shows a completely different pattern. This primarily consists of shades of back. Numerous blue, white, and orange spots further appear here. These typically manifest themselves along the edges of the hindwings of the insect, though.
Astonishingly, these colors do not form due to natural pigments, as in the vast majority on insects. These in fact appear due to the presence of countless tiny naturally occurring prisms. Light refracting through these creates the magnificent colors perceived.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Papilionidae
- Genus: Papilio
- Species: P. palinurus
Emerald Swallowtail Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The Emerald Swallowtail has a comparatively wide range. This is fortunate for both it and those who appreciate its beauty. That’s due to the fact that the incredible arthropod evolved as native to a broad portion of what now constitutes the continent of Asia.
More specifically, though, it appears naturally in a range that extends from the Philippines to southern portions of India. The wonderful insect even, for the moment, at least, holds small yet stable populations on some of the islands included in that impressive range.
Like most species, it also has specific preferences for its choice of habitat. It nonetheless proves itself adaptable when the need presents itself. In Nature, the creature generally lives in various open areas. These principally include forest clearings and along river banks.
It does, however, also often appear in and around empty lots, city parks, and even human habitations. In each of these habitats, it nevertheless displays specific dietary patterns. The caterpillar form feeds almost exclusively on plants in the citrus and rue families.
The adults, meanwhile, solely feed on nectar. This typically, though not exclusively, comes from the same plants as the younger form. The Emerald Swallowtail also serves as an important pollinator for many local species. Males even establish firm territorial boundaries.
Red Pierrot
Red Pierrot Facts
- Closing out this compilation of 4 Beautiful Butterflies of Asia comes the gorgeous butterfly bearing the simple name of the Red Pierrot.
- The perfectly descriptive term applied to the creature serves as the accepted common name for a beautiful variety of Lepidoptera. This small marvel of Nature, like many species, remains better known to researchers by its scientific name, however.
- That term, remains that of the somewhat hard to pronounce Talicada nyseus. Regardless of which of these names you use to refer to it, though, this particular species of butterfly has one of the most striking color patterns of any of its kind.
- The first official recognition of this creature as a separate and distinct species occurred in the year 1843. The formal credit for this fortuitous identification goes to the well known and renowned French entomologist, Félix Édouard Guérin – Méneville.
- It also forms a member of the Lycaenidae family, the second-largest of all Families of butterflies, with more than 6,000 member species. Quite fortunately, the gorgeous invertebrate known as the Red Pierrot, has an advantage over many related species.
- This magnificent insect appears to be maintaining a sufficient and stable population throughout the entirety of its natural range. The IUCN therefore currently has no listing for this invertebrate on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species.
- This wonder of evolution must nevertheless be considered to be at some risk, at least. This regrettable situation primarily occurs due to a combination of two different threats. Sadly, either one of these would be enough to place it in peril.
- Firstly, the truly beautiful insect currently faces the problem posed by increasing habitat loss. Secondly, though, the greatest threat to its continued existence most likely comes in the form of ongoing climate change, like many creatures.
Red Pierrot Physical Description
Perhaps most notably, although the Red Pierrot ranks high among its kindred in terms of beauty, it does not do so in terms of sheer physical size. In point of fact, this particular species of Lepidoptera ranks as a smaller than average type of butterfly.
However, this sincerely lovely arthropod does have one trait in common with its kindred, of all sizes. That holds true due to the fact that this specific invertebrate displays a slight degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism.
In this instance, though, that physical trait manifests itself in terms of overall physical size. That holds true because of the fact that the females of this specific butterfly generally attain a slightly greater physical size than that of the males of the species.
Overall, adults attain an average wingspan of 1.2 – 1.4 in (3 – 3.5 cm). In other respects, the genders remain indistinguishable from each other. The upper section of the wing appears black, with the exception of a prominent orange section of the hindwing, on the lower edge.
In the meantime, the underside of the wings of the stunning Red Pierrot is something entirely different. That’s partly because the forewing show white, with black spots. This makes for a truly striking appearance for this insect to show the world.
Meanwhile, though, the hindwing of the butterfly has the same basic pattern of black spots. But a difference also occurs. These black spots also appear along with a wide band of orange. Finally, multiple white spots also appear quite prominently.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Lycaenidae
- Genus: Talicada
- Species: T. nyseus
Red Pierrot Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The Red Pierrot inhabits a moderate-sized portion of the world, for a butterfly. That’s because of the fact that it appears in a wide swathe of Asia. More precisely, this truly magnificent arthropod inhabits an area includes the great majority of the country of India.
But, the visually marvelous little creature also appears in the foothills of the Himalayas, as well as the northern section of the country of Myanmar. Within this extensive range, however, the animal continues to be quite flexible in its choice of habitat.
That statement rings true given the fact that it appears in widely varied regions. In point of fact, this stunning arthropod lives in such varied regions as areas of degraded evergreen forests, semi-arid plains, mountains, and even private gardens.
The quite beautiful Red Pierrot inhabits any and all of these regions within its range, provided that the location meets two requirements. Firstly, the insect inhabits areas with an altitude ranging from sea level up to no more than roughly 8,000 ft (2,438 m).
Secondly, any of these areas must also have an abundance of the plant Kalanchoe. Thirdly, this is an important requirement for the remarkable species. This occurs since the fascinating invertebrate evolved a high degree of dependency upon a single type of flora.
The supremely magnificent Red Pierrot further developed as almost entirely dependent on this very specific plant. That’s true because the females lay their only eggs on its leaves, and individuals of all ages depend on it as their source of food.
4 Beautiful Butterflies of Asia
We sincerely hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article about these 4 Beautiful Butterflies of Asia. It’s also our fervent hope that having done so has left you with a new or renewed appreciation for such marvels of Nature.
Unfortunately, many of their fellow denizens of the earth now find themselves facing severe threats to their continued existence. Many of these stem either directly or indirectly from the actions of man. We must do all we can to protect and preserve these wonders.
Check out our other articles on 5 Bewildering South American Birds, Earth’s Many Magical Moths, 5 Rare Mind-Blowing Cloud Types, The Mighty Tornado, 4 Incredibly Intriguing Irises