Butterflies are back after the distress of flood: Congregation of Blue Tiger

The environment is getting back with its vigour and hope. 1000s of blue tiger butterflies initiate their journey of migration and put a halt at MSSBG butterfly garden. The butterflies congregate on Crotalaria plant to extract the pyrrolizidine alkalioids. It is the source of pheromones for courting female butterflies for progressing its generation. The larvae feed on the plants belongs to Apocynaceae family. Tirumala limniace exoticus is known as blue tiger for its blue streaks and spots on its wing, which spreads with a span of 98-106mm. The growth rate of the larvae is fast enough to double its original weight in hours. Its distribution is throughout India. The migration clusters are usually found during October to December.

MSSBG Butterfly garden is a haven of butterfly diversity with the largest butterfly in India, the Southern Bird Wing to the smallest one, the grass jewel. Larval host plants and nectar plants are maintained at the garden to greet the butterflies throughout the year. The scientific team and enthusiasts of MSSBG and Research Centre spotted 94 spp. of butterflies including the rare Malabar Tree Nymph, Paris Peacock, Map butterfly, Cruiser and so on.

It’s a feast for the eyes of the nature enthusiasts, visitors and academician flock to MSSBG to have a glance at it.

Information and Editing: Mr. Nandakumar M K and Dr. Smitha S. Thankappan; Photograph : Mr. Dileep K, Mr. Binesh M K ; Video :Mr. Aneez K M; Approval: Dr. N Anil Kumar