In part one of this series we discussed the incredible Monarch butterfly and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve near Mexico City. We also took a look at a few of the Swallowtail species found in Mexico, and how to spot them in their natural environment. Now let's continue with our dialogue on butterflies of Mexico.
One of the most incredible looking butterflies in existence is the Glasswing butterfly, or Greta oto. It is fairly small, compared to other species found in the area, with a wingspan of about two inches. Viewing the Glasswing from the side, one would see a long thin tan colored body, wings outlined in copper and thin black veins crossing the body of the wings. The rest of the wing area is completely clear - like glass. The tissue between the veins is thin, transparent and is not covered with the customary colored scales other butterflies are. Thus, the Glasswing has an appearance of glass. Another interesting trait of the Glasswing is its ability to feed on toxic when in the caterpillar stage of life. The toxins contain alkaloids, which convert to pheromones in the males, making them more attractive to females.
Diaethria anna is the Latin name for a particularly distinctive butterfly found in Central and South America, but particularly southern Mexico. Also called Anna's Eighty-eight, the underside of the wings bear a pattern of black and white stripes, in the middle of which are two number eight's. On the upper side of the wings they are dark brown with a metallic teal band at the front of each wing. The body is generally white and the antennae are black. To find specimens of Anna's Eighty-eight, seek out piles of rotting fruit or animal dung, the adults love to feast on these odorous items.
The key to spotting your favorite butterfly is in patience and education. If you are already an avid researcher of the creepy-crawlies, then you probably know exactly where to find every species. Entering the habitat of a butterfly is a delicate process. Be respectful of the ecosystem, do not leave anything behind and do not take anything with you. The butterflies are there for us to observe and enjoy, if everyone took a 'sample' home with them we would not have any left today.
Visit butterfly reserves wherever they may be, but make a point of visiting the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve at least once. The experience will no doubt be something you will remember for a long, long time.
One of the most incredible looking butterflies in existence is the Glasswing butterfly, or Greta oto. It is fairly small, compared to other species found in the area, with a wingspan of about two inches. Viewing the Glasswing from the side, one would see a long thin tan colored body, wings outlined in copper and thin black veins crossing the body of the wings. The rest of the wing area is completely clear - like glass. The tissue between the veins is thin, transparent and is not covered with the customary colored scales other butterflies are. Thus, the Glasswing has an appearance of glass. Another interesting trait of the Glasswing is its ability to feed on toxic when in the caterpillar stage of life. The toxins contain alkaloids, which convert to pheromones in the males, making them more attractive to females.
Diaethria anna is the Latin name for a particularly distinctive butterfly found in Central and South America, but particularly southern Mexico. Also called Anna's Eighty-eight, the underside of the wings bear a pattern of black and white stripes, in the middle of which are two number eight's. On the upper side of the wings they are dark brown with a metallic teal band at the front of each wing. The body is generally white and the antennae are black. To find specimens of Anna's Eighty-eight, seek out piles of rotting fruit or animal dung, the adults love to feast on these odorous items.
The key to spotting your favorite butterfly is in patience and education. If you are already an avid researcher of the creepy-crawlies, then you probably know exactly where to find every species. Entering the habitat of a butterfly is a delicate process. Be respectful of the ecosystem, do not leave anything behind and do not take anything with you. The butterflies are there for us to observe and enjoy, if everyone took a 'sample' home with them we would not have any left today.
Visit butterfly reserves wherever they may be, but make a point of visiting the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve at least once. The experience will no doubt be something you will remember for a long, long time.
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