Mahaon butterfly - description, habitat, species

Butterflies, belonging to the family of Lepidoptera, attract attention. The Machaon is considered to be a clear representative of those - a beautiful colorful creation of various species. We will study important aspects so that you can get your own idea of ​​these individuals.

Description

1. There are more than 35 species of swallowtails, but they are so similar that it is possible to separate one from another only with the study of wingspan. Indicators in the straightened state vary between 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 gentle, if mistreated, they will break, which will lead to the death of the lepidoptera. They are wavy, rounded. These representatives of the species cannot sit still for long enough; they are distinguished by their activity.Fly from the first point to the second or third and so on.
3. It has already been mentioned that the lepidopterans of this species are distinguished by their mobility and beauty. They are from a young age bright, patterned, different from all others. The same can be said about the caterpillar; in its stage it has multicolored stripes and circles scattered symmetrically on the body. The same colorful butterfly is obtained in the end.
4. These individuals are counted among those who are awake during the daytime. They have a mustache similar to pins. The legs are 3 pairs, they are all developed. The rear wings do not fit tightly to the body, since they contain recesses and growths (unique tails). In part, this is the sign by which it is possible to identify the swallowtails.
5. If we consider the average color gamut of all the representatives of the family, we can say that the individuals are pigmented with a mainly 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. Rear wings clad in a chain with bluish divorces. The wings at the ends have a reddish tint. In summertime, butterflies are not as bright as in spring.

Spread

1. These representatives of the species are common in various parts of the world and Europe in particular. They are not found except in Ireland. They live in Asian countries, in the expanses of the United States and North America. Find individuals in African countries.
2. Interestingly, the area is equally extensively distributed in tropical areas and in mountainous areas. Some representatives live at an altitude of 4.5 km. above sea level, so it can be said that they are quite hardy.
3. Individuals love open territorial sites. They settle preferably in meadow or forest edges, in tundra, steppe areas, semi-deserts, etc. Northern species live from the beginning to the end of summer, while the southern ones are seen from the beginning of spring until autumn. The life of an adult individual is 20 days.

Lifestyle

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

Nutrition

1. What feeds caterpillars, it is approximately clear, as for the butterflies in question, the diet is somewhat different. Such insects prefer exclusively nectar.If you are going to keep a butterfly at home, you will have to create such conditions.
2. In the terrarium should be put sledka rotten pieces of apples. Leave the fruit for a while. Consider, this method does not apply to the most effective. Therefore, if it does not work, use the alternative.
3. Take 200 ml. defended water. Dissolve in it 20 gr. fresh honey. Ready-made artificial nectar should be poured into a small saucer. The butterfly should be carefully brought to the side of the dish. Carefully, with a needle, pry her proboscis and lower it into nectar.

Natural enemies

1. In most cases, the specimens in question are threatened by spiders, birds, and other insectivores. However, butterflies are most vulnerable when they are in transition. It begins with an egg, then in the form of a caterpillar, and finally a pupa.
2. Most individuals are unable to escape from the steppe fires. Because of this feature, the number of butterflies varies greatly by region. In addition, the insect population is seriously suffering and 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 was recently found that a serious struggle was waged with such insects.
4. Because of 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 begins to emit an extremely unpleasant smell.

Breeding

1. A large number of caterpillars falls on the end of summer. If you are going to collect a few pieces, it is best to choose individuals whose length does not exceed 2 cm. Once you catch the caterpillar, plant it on fresh dill. After only 2-3 weeks, the individual eats enough. In this case, it will already be ready for pupation.
2. It remains interesting that as the caterpillar grows, it will change its color. Therefore, if you replace it, 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. It will take about 3 days. Molting and pupation often occur at night.Put the pupa with the branch in the refrigerator until early spring.

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

Video: Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon)