Orange gull (Cepora judith)

The Orange Gull (Cepora judith) is a captivating butterfly species known for its vibrant coloration and delicate wings. Here are some key details about this butterfly:

Appearance

• Wingspan: The Orange Gull typically has a wingspan of about 45-55 mm (1.8-2.2 inches).
• Coloration: The upper side of the wings is primarily white with bright orange and black markings. The forewings have an orange band that is bordered with black, while the hindwings are more predominantly white with minimal black edging. The underside of the wings is more subdued, with pale yellowish or whitish hues and subtle brown markings.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females are similar in appearance, though females may have slightly less vibrant colors compared to males.

Habitat

• Range: Cepora judith is distributed across South and Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
• Environment: These butterflies thrive in tropical and subtropical environments. They are commonly found in forested areas, gardens, parks, and near water sources such as rivers and streams.

Behavior

• Feeding: Adult Orange Gulls feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They are particularly attracted to brightly colored flowers.
• Flight: They are strong fliers and are often seen fluttering rapidly in open areas, though they can also be observed resting with their wings closed on foliage.
• Basking: These butterflies often bask in the sun with their wings open, showcasing their vibrant colors.

Life Cycle

• Eggs: Females lay their eggs singly on the leaves of host plants, which are typically species of the family Capparaceae.
• Larvae: The caterpillars are green and well-camouflaged against the leaves of their host plants. They feed voraciously on the foliage.
• Pupation: The larvae pupate into a chrysalis that is green or brown, mimicking the surrounding environment to avoid predation.
• Adults: After a period of pupation, adult butterflies emerge to start the cycle anew.

Adaptations

• Camouflage: Both larvae and pupae have evolved coloration that helps them blend into their surroundings, reducing the likelihood of being detected by predators.
• Warning Colors: The bright orange and black patterns on the adults’ wings serve as a warning to potential predators about their unpalatability, a common trait among butterflies that feed on toxic plants during their larval stage.

Ecological Role

• Pollination: As nectar feeders, Orange Gulls play a role in pollinating flowers, contributing to the health and reproduction of various plant species.
• Prey: They are part of the food web, serving as prey for birds, spiders, and other predators.

Conservation

• Status: Cepora judith is not currently considered endangered. However, habitat destruction and deforestation can threaten local populations.
• Conservation Efforts: Protecting natural habitats and promoting biodiversity in gardens and parks can help maintain healthy populations of these and other butterfly species.

The Orange Gull (Cepora judith) is a beautiful and ecologically important butterfly, easily recognizable by its vibrant colors and active behavior. Conservation of their habitats is crucial for their continued presence and the overall health of the ecosystems they inhabit.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Northern chequered skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Chestnut heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

European peacock (Inachis io)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

« ‹ of 4 › »