A rare butterfly was spotted near Sivaganga for the first time, with experts suggesting that the sighting could indicate shifting migratory patterns or environmental changes.
The butterfly, identified as a painted lady (Vanessa cardui), was sighted and documented by Kumaresan Chandrabose, a naturalist, at the farm house of his uncle Sathiyamoorthi, who is a native plant collector.
Ramanasaran Hari from The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS) told TOI that it is probably moving to Sri Lanka and was recorded for the first time in Sivaganga. Usually, these species of butterflies live in highly elevated areas like Ooty and Kodaikanal, and they have the tendency to migrate once in four to five years. They can go up to Africa and the Middle East; some went to Sri Lanka, he added.
E Joy Sharmila, associate professor and head of the zoology department at The American College, Madurai, said that these butterflies are rare to sight, and the recent sighting might be because they got drifted by wind or could be an environmental change, as these butterflies prefer a mid-climate.
She also said that the butterfly could come in search of nectar. This could be a change in migratory pattern; most of the wild-dwelling butterflies are migrating to urban areas. She added, “We have even witnessed that a type of butterfly called ‘Birdwing’ is found abundantly in the western and eastern ghats, but in recent times we have witnessed those even on our college campus.”
Sharmila said that this can be because of some disturbance in the forest, which could be people moving. This could cause them to relocate. “If a single butterfly were spotted, then there is a high probability that it could have drifted by a strong wind,” she added.
Implications of the Sighting
Possible Reasons for Migration
Experts highlight several factors that might explain the painted lady's appearance in Sivaganga. These include wind drift, nectar search, and environmental changes that alter their preferred mid-climate conditions. The butterfly's migratory nature, typically occurring every four to five years, may also be a factor.
Urban Migration Trend
Sharmila noted a broader trend of wild-dwelling butterflies moving to urban areas, possibly due to disturbances in their natural habitats. The sighting of the painted lady in Sivaganga could be a part of this pattern.
Expert Opinions
- Ramanasaran Hari (TNBS): First recorded sighting in Sivaganga; butterfly likely moving to Sri Lanka.
- E Joy Sharmila (The American College): Rare sighting may be due to wind drift or environmental change; butterflies prefer mid-climate.
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