Legend of the Silk Moth
There are many legends in China about the discovery of silk and the silk moth. One is about the Empress Lei Zu, wife of the Yellow Emperor. She was drinking tea under a tree when a cocoon fell into her cup. When she picked it out of the tea she found the end of a […]
The Battle for Life
It’s a dangerous world out there for butterflies and their battle for life. From the time an egg is laid it is in danger, eggs are a succulent morsel for small predators like mites, ants and spiders. Microscopic wasps will lay their egg inside a butterfly egg, then the wasp larvae will hatch out inside […]
Friday Fun Fact – Red Lacewing
The only true predominantly red butterfly in Australia is the Red Lacewing (cethosia cydippe). Have you seen them? They are very striking! One feature that is quite amazing is that their host plant (Adenia heterophylla) produces pods that are also a rich red colour. Coincidence? Thanks to Tanya for this week’s Friday Fun Fact!
Friday Fun Fact – Cruiser Butterflies (vindula arsinoe)
Cruiser butterflies have lots of personality! As caterpillars they are very fast and frisky, and lab staff often have to chase after them during feeding time as they like to wander. One interesting trait they have that distinguishes them from our other species is the tendency for female Cruisers to lay their eggs on […]
Friday Fun Fact – Osmeterium
The Osmeterium is a defence mechanism that all Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars have. Swallowtails are the big butterflies like Cairns Birdwings, Orchards and Ulysses. The osmeterium is an organ above the head of the caterpillar in the first body segment. If the caterpillar feels threatened, two bright red or orange horns pop out, as well as […]