Claudina Butterfly Facts
- This beautiful variety of Lepidoptera most frequently goes by the common name of the Claudina Butterfly. It also has another common name, however. That’s because, though it’s less frequently heard, it’s also sometimes known as the Claudina agrias.
- In a comparatively uncommon pattern, both of these terms are very similar to the formal, scientific name of the marvel of evolution. That’s due to the fact that researchers commonly refer to the insect by its technical name, the Agrias claudina.
- Regardless of which of these related and similar terms one uses to refer to it, one fact remains paramount. That’s the simple fact that it’s a truly beautiful species of butterfly. Interestingly, many subspecies of the invertebrate also exist, many in the same region.
- It received its technical name at the hands of the French entomologist, Jean-Baptiste Godart. The respected researcher made the original recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This action took place as a result of his research, in the year 1824.
- For the moment, it appears to be maintaining a sufficient and stable population base. That fact further seems to hold true throughout its range. Therefore, the IUCN has no listing for the beautiful Claudina Butterfly on its Red List Of Threatened Species.
- Local governments and organizations nevertheless consider it to be Threatened, due to several factors. Given where it lives, habitat loss represents an ever-present danger. The ongoing process of climate change also represents a potential threat to it.
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Claudina Butterfly Physical Description
The breathtaking Claudina Butterfly is a truly dazzling Lepidoptera. Although best known for its great visual appeal, it also qualifies as impressive for yet another reason. That’s the fact that, along with that beauty, the creature also attains a highly respectable physical size.
Total wingspan varies significantly between individuals, as with many related species. In its case, however, that variation has nothing to do with gender. Overall, though, a wingspan for a mature adult varies from about 2.8 – 4.7 in (7 – 12 cm). That’s quite large for a butterfly.
In terms of overall general appearance, however, it mafiests only a small degree of sexual dimorphism. The sole exception to this is the presence of prominent yellow tufts on the hindwings of the males. These are special scales that release pheremones to attract females.
The upperside of the wings of this natural wonder present a magnificent view. More precisely, these typically present as dark black, with brilliant crimson red patches showing on the forewings. The fascinating insect also generally manifests small patches of blue.
The underside of the wings of the Claudina Butterfly, though, are quite different than the upperside. This part of the anatomy of the invertebrate presents a striking combination of colors and patterns. Overall, though, the colors include red, blue, black, and gold.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Agrias
- Species: A. claudina
Claudina Butterfly Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Fortunately, both for the Claudina Butterfly itself, as well as those who appreciate Nature, the insect inhabits a modrately large section of the globe. That’s due to the fact that it appears in the approximate northern half of the continent of South America.
More precisely, its habitat range begins in the far northern portion of the continent, mainly in the countries of Guyana and Venezuela. From there, the marvelous arthropod extends its known zone of habitation as far as the western-central country of Bolivia.
Within that relatively extensive range, however, the habitat preferences of the butterfly reduce its potential areas of habitation somewhat. That’s due to the fact that observed individuals only appear at altitudes ranging from around 656 – 1,969 ( 200 – 600 m).
Throughout that area, though, it appears in both primary and secondary regions of rainforest. The nature of this ecosystem provides the gorgeous invertebrate with everything that it needs. It further spends the majority of its time high the in thick canopy.
Individuals generally only descend to lower heights to feed. When they do, however, they typically find their choice of food in abundance. That’s because the adults usually feed on either decomposing fish, or on rotting fruit that has fallen to the forest floor.
After mating, the female Claudina Butterfly lays her eggs on the leaves of food plants, one egg per plant. After hatching, the larvae feed nocturnally, and rest on the twigs of the food plant by day. When formed, the chrysalis hangs from the same food plant.
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