Swallowtail butterfly - description, habitat, species

Butterflies belonging to the family of Lepidoptera attract attention. An explicit representative of such is considered a swallowtail - a beautiful colorful creation of various varieties. We will study important aspects so that you can create your own idea of ​​these individuals.

Description

1. There are more than 35 species of swallowtail, but they are so similar that you can only separate one from the other by studying the wingspan. Indicators in a straightened state range from 7.5-9.5 cm in females and 6.5-8 cm in males. An adult grows 9 cm in length.
2. The wings are quite thin and very delicate, if mishandled, they will break, which will lead to the death of the lepidoptera. They are wavy, rounded. These representatives of the species cannot sit still long enough; they are distinguished by their activity. They fly from the first point to the second or third and so on.
3. Earlier it was mentioned that Lepidoptera of this species are distinguished by mobility and beauty. From a young age, they are bright, patterned, different from all the others. The same can be said about the caterpillar, it at its stage has multi-colored stripes and circles, scattered symmetrically across the body. The butterfly turns out to be just as colorful.
4. These individuals are classified as those that are awake in the daytime. They have a mustache similar to pins. Legs are 3 pairs, they are all developed. The hind wings do not fit snugly on the body, since there are recesses and growths (peculiar tails) on them. In part, this is the sign by which the machaons can be distinguished.
5. If we consider the average color gamut of all representatives of the family, we can say that individuals are pigmented mainly in a yellowish tone. There is a black strip on the case, but it may not be one. The wings are decorated with streaks of various colors or black dots. Hind wings clad in chain with bluish stains. The wings at the ends have a reddish hue. In summer, butterflies are not as bright as in spring.

Spread

1. These representatives of the species are common in various parts of the planet and in Europe in particular. They can’t be found unless in Ireland. They live in Asian countries, in the vastness of the USA and North America. Find individuals in African countries.
2. It is interesting that the area is distributed equally extensively both in tropical zones and in mountainous areas. Some representatives live up to an altitude of 4.5 km. above sea level, so we can say that they are quite hardy.
3. Individuals love open territorial areas. They predominantly settle in meadow areas or edges, in the tundra, steppe regions, semi-deserts, etc. Northern species live from the beginning to the end of summer, and southern species are seen from the beginning of spring until autumn. The life span of an adult is 20 days.

Lifestyle

1. The individuals of the species under discussion have many enemies. Fluttering creatures do not mind eating spiders, ant families and birds. If you keep this creature at home, then there is no such enemy situation. Reproduction is carried out, starting from the middle, ending with the end of the spring time.
2. Climate is crucial for reproduction. The female makes a laying under the foliage of vegetation. She lives a maximum of 20 days, in several flights she lays 3 eggs. Over the entire life cycle, more than 1000 eggs are obtained, which is essential for such a short period.
3. In two generations, caterpillars are born. Spring individuals are considered first, and summer individuals are considered second. It is important to remember that butterflies should not be caught without first looking at the Red Book.It includes many insects, the capture of which is prohibited.
4. Initially, the caterpillars are pigmented in black. In the upper part of the case there are whitish spots, as well as stripes of black tone and orange edging. Over the course of life, the caterpillar turns green, black stripes remain on its body, and spots of the same color appear instead of the edging.
5. The first butterflies emerge from the pupae 15 days after pupation, and the second will require about 1.5 months for full development. Spring pupae are colored green-yellow, and the summer leaf is brown and dense.

Nutrition

1. What the caterpillars eat, it is approximately clear that with regard to the butterflies in question, the diet is somewhat different. Such insects prefer nectar exclusively. If you are going to keep a butterfly at home, you will have to create such conditions.
2. In the terrarium should put the trail rotten pieces of apples. Leave the fruit for a while. Keep in mind that this method is not one of the most effective. Therefore, if it does not work, use the alternative.
3. Take 200 ml. protected water. Dissolve 20 g in it. fresh honey. Ready artificially created nectar must be poured into a small saucer. The butterfly must be carefully placed on the side of the dishes. Carefully with a needle, pry its proboscis and lower it into nectar.

Natural enemies

1. In most cases, these individuals are threatened by spiders, birds and other insectivores. However, butterflies are most vulnerable when they are in transition. It starts with an egg, then in the form of a caterpillar and finally a chrysalis.
2. Most individuals are unable to escape from the steppe fires. Because of this feature, the number of butterflies varies greatly depending on the region. In addition, the insect population is seriously affected during the capture of collectors.
3. Insects are listed in the Red Book in Germany, Ukraine, Latvia and Lithuania. The considered individuals are numerous, however, they do not bring any harm to agriculture. However, it has recently been revealed that such insects were seriously fought.
4. Due to the incomprehensible extermination of this species, butterflies can disappear altogether if scientists do not figure out how to fix it. An interesting fact is that the caterpillars of such insects use a special organ located on the head. When the caterpillar is frightened, it starts to emit an extremely unpleasant smell.

Breeding

1. A large number of caterpillars occur precisely at the end of summer. If you are going to pick up a few pieces, then it is best to choose individuals whose length does not exceed 2 cm. As soon as you catch the caterpillar, plant it on fresh dill. After only 2-3 weeks, the individual is full enough. In this case, she will be ready for pupation.
2. The interesting thing is that as the caterpillar grows, it will change its color. Therefore, if you replace this, do not panic. This is a normal manifestation of molting. After 20 days, the individual will stop feeding and will look for a suitable branch for pupation.
3. As soon as the caterpillar finds the desired branch, it will attach to it in an upright position. This will take about 3 days. Shedding and pupation often occur at night. Put the chrysalis with a branch in the refrigerator until early spring.

We studied the next representatives of Lepidoptera. However, one thing is certain for sure - the machaons are one of the most beautiful of their kind. Due to human activity and fishing for its needs, the population has declined decently, so in some regions these butterflies are listed in the Red Book.

Video: Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon)