Harlequins Galore

Today I went out with Uncle Sunny and a few others to

find the beautiful harlequin butterfly. The habitat was a

forest and it was very dark. Just after we entered their patch,

I could see a few flying around. This is the male.

They were all over the place, and stayed close to the ground.

They were not easy to shoot though, as they would keep

tuning around and flitting from leaf to leaf with half open wings.

The females were especially active and skittish. Below is a

female harlequin.

The harlequin is a pretty butterfly from the family

riodinidae. They are rare here, and are also very local.

More often than not, they can be seen hiding in the

deep shade. The male is dark brown above, with an

orange forewing apex ( wing tip ). Underneath, it is brick red

with silvery-blue and black spots.

The female is paler, and there is a large white patch on

the forewing apex. They have hindwings that are slightly

serrated. The blue spots are also more translucent, rather

than metallic. The upperside is similar to the underside, but

darker and lacking the blue spots.

The harlequin butterfly is dependant on an uncommon

host plant. It is very sensitive to its habitat and environment,

making it a rather delicate species. If efforts are not made to

protect the forests that this wonderful creature lives in, it is sad

to know they may soon vanish.

I hope this reminds us to treasure nature's fine creations,

and remember just how fragile they can be.

The end.