Content
- brazilian butterflies
- the role of butterflies
- Coffin butterfly (Heraclides thoas)
- Manaca butterfly (Methona themisto)
- Passion Flower Butterflies (Heliconius)
- Transparent butterfly (Greta gold)
- Ghost butterfly (Cithaerias Phantoma)
- 'Campoleta' (Euryades choretrus)
- Orobrassolis ornamentalis
- Yellow butterfly (Phoebis Philea Philea)
- Captain-of-the-mato butterfly (morpho helenor)
- Blue Silk Butterfly (Morpho Anaxibia)
- Brazilian butterflies threatened with extinction
the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and moths, is considered the second largest among insects in number of species. This represents, globally, 16% of all insect species. It is estimated that on planet Earth there are 120 thousand species of Lepidoptera, with 'only' 18 thousand being butterflies and the rest moths. In turn, South America and the Caribbean stand out for their rich diversity of butterflies, covering around 7.5 to 8,000 species, approximately 3,500 of these in Brazil. In other words, there are a lot of beautiful butterfly out there to enjoy.
So that you can see it up close and in detail, in this PeritoAnimal post we selected 10 Brazilian butterflies, photos and features, beautiful to live so you can be on the lookout for any sign of one of them near you.
brazilian butterflies
Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru compete for the non-existent title of countries with the most species of butterflies in the world. It is estimated that in Brazil there are more than 3,500 species of butterflies, 57 of which are threatened with extinction according to data from EMBRAPA[1].
As in other cases, the variety of Brazilian butterflies is directly related to our natural wealth and its extension. Based on the numbers recorded, the Atlantic Forest is the Brazilian biome with the most species of butterflies recorded, there are around 2,750. In the Cerrado, specifically, around one thousand species of butterflies and up to eight thousand of moths are described.
the role of butterflies
From their caterpillar stage, butterflies play essential roles in maintaining the balance of flora through herbivory and pollination, when they are already butterflies. Defoliating caterpillars, for example, directly influence the balance of competition between different plant species by leaving room for other plants to grow and increasing nutrient cycling.
Meanwhile, butterflies carry out pollination by facilitating the sexual and cross-breeding of plant species. In other words, there is a direct dependency relationship between Brazilian butterflies and the local flora.
Check out some of the most emblematic, majestic and rare species of butterflies in Brazil and check out photos:
Coffin butterfly (Heraclides thoas)
This is one of the butterflies from Brazil and the rest of the American continent which can also be seen with some ease since it is not that small: 14 centimeters in wingspan. Its natural habitat are clearings in forests where there is more sun.
Manaca butterfly (Methona themisto)
Although they mostly occur in the Atlantic Forest, it is possible to see them in urban environments, especially in humid and shady places.
Passion Flower Butterflies (Heliconius)
The butterflies heliconia they can be found in different parts of the American continent, including the Brazilian Amazon, and are always recognized by their elongated wings, large eyes and color combinations that vary in shades of black, brown, yellow, orange, red and blue.
Transparent butterfly (Greta gold)
Despite being mostly seen in Central America, this transparent butterfly is rare, but it also inhabits Brazil. In addition to the 'transparent butterfly', it is also known as 'the crystal butterfly' for obvious reasons.
Ghost butterfly (Cithaerias Phantoma)
This neotropical species inhabits tropical forests in South America, including the Amazon. Its translucent appearance is self-explanatory in relation to its name.
'Campoleta' (Euryades choretrus)
Campoleta is the nickname of this endemic species of grasslands in southern Brazil whose population growth is in decline due to the destruction of its habitat.
Orobrassolis ornamentalis
Consider yourself a very lucky person if you come across one of these on your way. Endangered with extinction, the Orobrassolis ornamentalis species of Brazilian butterflies are already considered to be rare.
Yellow butterfly (Phoebis Philea Philea)
They can be found more easily in gardens and forests in Brazil. It is easily recognized by its color and can reach a wingspan of 9 cm.
Captain-of-the-mato butterfly (morpho helenor)
This is a common species of the Atlantic Forest and can draw attention for its size: up to 14 cm in wingspan. It doesn't usually fly very high, which allows it to be seen with some 'ease'.
Blue Silk Butterfly (Morpho Anaxibia)
This is a species of Brazilian butterfly endemic to the south and southeast of the country. The female tends to be more brownish, while the male stands out for its resplendent blue, due to sexual dimorphism.
Brazilian butterflies threatened with extinction
According to data presented by the Chico Mendes Institute,[2] at brazilian butterflies represent the group of insects that most appears in the national list of threatened species. The causes mentioned include the loss of their natural habitat, which consequently reduces and isolates their populations. Since then, the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Endangered Lepidoptera [3], launched in 2011, proposes the implementation of measures for the conservation of Brazilian butterflies.
Parallel initiatives and studies are also committed to mapping Brazilian species and protecting them. Unicamp's Butterfly Laboratory[4], for example, encourages citizens to photograph butterflies so they can be registered and mapped by scientists. If a butterfly crossed your path, enjoy it carefully. It could be that you're coming across some rare and definitely beautiful species.
If you want to read more articles similar to Brazilian butterflies: names, characteristics and photos, we recommend that you enter our Endangered Animals section.