Aglaia Pearl Moth - Speyeria aglaja L.
One of the most beautiful butterflies of the genus Nymphalidae. This butterfly has optical coloration, with wings that shimmer like pearls. It is aptly named the pearl moth. When light rays refract in its scales, it is stunningly beautiful! The admiration for it is reflected in its name, which was given to these lovely creatures. Aglaia in ancient Greek mythology is the goddess of beauty and joy.
The wings are reddish-yellow on top, with numerous black spots and stripes. The hindwings are green underneath, with light stripes and rounded mirror-like spots. The wingspan can reach up to 60 mm. The front legs of the butterfly are shortened and not particularly adapted for walking; they are used by the butterfly to clean its head. The coloration of females is usually somewhat paler than that of males, but darker females can also be found. In nature, there are a vast number of butterflies belonging to the Nymphalidae family. Their wings are covered with tiny colored scales that define the wing pattern. However, these scales wear off easily, so the pattern is not as bright in long-flying individuals.
The Aglaia Pearl Moth flies from June to August. In summer, it is often found in forest meadows and clearings. These butterflies can be seen in clearings, where they often sit on thistles and other weeds, sometimes gathering in large numbers. When threatened, they fly short distances in a low flight.
It inhabits meadows, forest edges, clearings, road verges, and the banks of various water bodies. Occasionally, they may migrate to other areas. Adult individuals feed on the nectar of composite and leguminous plants, while the caterpillars primarily feed on the leaves of violets.
Closer to the end of summer, a fertilized female lays up to 100 yellowish conical eggs on the leaves and stems of the host plant or nearby, one by one, the color of which changes to reddish over time. After 2-3 weeks from laying, very small black caterpillars with 2 white stripes on their backs and red dots on the sides emerge. They hardly feed and go into hibernation in their first instar. Sometimes, mature eggs can also hibernate.
By spring, the larvae wake up and begin to feed on violet leaves, doing so at night, while hiding during the day by crawling away from the host plant. By May, after undergoing a series of necessary metamorphoses, the caterpillar pupates and remains in this state for about 2 weeks. Young butterflies emerge at the beginning of summer. The insect develops in 1 generation.
Distribution: throughout Kyrgyzstan.
INSECTS OF KYRGYZSTAN
