Dead leaf butterfly
If you think that it's just a dead leaf lying on a stone, then I am sorry but you are wrong!
It's not a dead leaf but an amazing butterfly species popularly known as the Dead leaf butterfly, and you surely know the reason behind it.
The perfect combination of visible markings, irregular patterns, darkened veins and the shades of brown, yellow, black, brown and buff, gives it a perfect look of a dried leaf!
The dead leaf butterfly is scientifically known as Kallima inachus.
It's found in India, Japan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, Pakistan and Southern China.
The other names of this incredible butterfly specie are the orange oakleaf and the Indian oakleaf butterfly.
Don't you think it shows the best example of what known as a wonderful phenomenon, camouflage?
The tiny creature brilliantly fools its predators by attaining a static pose with closed wings and resembles a dead leaf so that they can't find them!
The common predators of orange oakleaf butterfly are ants, birds, spiders and some bacteria.
Though their closed wings amazed us so much, the other side of the wings shows a different story. On the top of the wings, there are several brilliant coloured stripes in blue, white, orange and dark brown shades.
Isn't that amazing! a single butterfly has two different looks? From one side it appears like a dry leaf while on another side it has bright colours hidden inside the closed wings!
The specie spends most of the time sitting on plants or trees.
The coolest thing about them is that they change their looks with the seasons!
Based on their different seasonal looks there are two forms of dead leaf butterflies- the dry season form and the wet season form.
The phenomenon under which the distinct traits change with environmental changes in a single species is known as polyphenism.
Here's a brief description of the two forms of dead leaf butterfly:
Dry season butterflies are violet toned and wings look faded as compared to the wet season form. They are a less active specie.
Wet season butterflies are of royal blue colour with rich, thick bands of bright orange shade. They are more active than the dry season butterflies.
There are small eyespot patterns on their wings which are used for deflecting the predators ( like birds, ants, spiders, etc. )
You can see the spots on the wings in the image posted above.
Indian leaf butterflies are not good fliers so they simply fly when they are in search of food.
While most of the
butterfly species depend on flowers for nectar, dead leaf butterflies love to feed on rotten soft fruits fallen on the ground!
Now, let's end up our discussion with a beautiful quote -
Butterflies are nature's angels.
They remind us what a gift it is to be alive.
-Robyn Nola
The credit of images goes to the respective owners.
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So, I think this is the most wonderful butterfly specie I have ever seen in my life. What do you think? Guys, don't forget to share your views and thought about this incredible butterfly specie in the comments!
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