THE UNTOLD WORLD OF LEPIDOPTERA

By: Lekshman Raj Have you ever paused to wonder about the butterflies fluttering around your garden or the silent moth resting beneath a flickering bulb? It might surprise many readers or students to know that there are actual degree courses that focus entirely on studying these delicate creatures. What once seemed like a childish curiosity, the act of chasing butterflies or observing insects has become a door to scientific exploration and discovery. I still remember getting scolded by my parents for running after insects with a jar in hand, and today, here I am, learning about them professionally. It’s a journey that began with wonder and continues with purpose. Kerala's Lepidopteran Legacy Kerala, with its lush landscapes and diverse habitats, is a place of refuge for a myriad of moth and butterfly species. The Wayanad Moth Festival of 2020 unveiled over 800 species, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity. Notably, the Actias Keralana, a moon moth species, was first described from Kerala, emphasizing the state's unique lepidopteran fauna. During the monsoon, the skies of Kerala witness the mesmerizing migration of butterflies like the Blue Tiger (Tirumala limniace) and the Tawny Coster (Acraea terpsicore), painting the atmosphere with hues of nature's palette. Nature's Silent Alarms Moths and butterflies serve as bioindicators, their presence or absence signaling the health of our environment. Their sensitivity to pollutants makes them crucial in monitoring ecological changes. Alarmingly, certain species have vanished due to habitat loss and pollution, urging us to pay heed to these silent alarms.

Wolbachia Bacteria: Source - https://share.google/zkKETw0g7l4jbKKZR

The Dark Underbelly: Illegal Trade Illegal butterfly trade is a hidden threat to our delicate natural heritage. I remember reading a case reported by The New Indian Express about this issue in Kerala that shocked me deeply. S. Guruvayurappan, the South India project coordinator for the Wildlife Protection Society of India, once discovered mounted butterflies for sale in a supermarket in Calicut. These butterflies were imported from countries like Thailand and China. Curious about local species, he investigated further and found that in Nadukani, a hill station on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, locals, mostly plantation workers, were selling rare and endangered butterflies to tourists, especially from Southeast Asia, who then smuggled them out for international trade. The prices these rare butterflies fetch are surprisingly high. Some specimens, like the Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis) and the Malabar Tree Nymph (Idea malabarica), can sell for ₹30,000 or more per butterfly. Other species such as the Southern Birdwing (Troides minos) and Common Blue Bottle (Graphium sarpedon) also command high prices in the illegal market. This lucrative trade motivates many locals to collect and sell these endangered species, often unaware of the long-term damage to biodiversity and conservation efforts. Lepidoptera and Toxicity While their beauty is captivating, some butterflies and moths possess toxic properties. The Common Indian Crow (Euploea core) butterfly, for instance, emits a toxic liquid deterring predators. Similarly, certain moth caterpillars have urticating hairs causing skin irritations, reminding us that nature's allure often comes with cautionary tales. Cultural and Philosophical Tapestry Across cultures, these delicate winged beings hold profound symbolism. In Japanese folklore, butterflies are believed to represent the souls of the departed, guiding them between worlds and symbolizing transformation. In Chinese traditions, butterflies symbolize love, joy, and marital bliss, often appearing in art and literature as emblems of romance. Thai culture reveres butterflies as harbingers of good fortune and prosperity, with some believing that seeing a butterfly brings blessings. In Kerala, butterflies frequently appear in folklore and traditional art, embodying transformation, hope, and the soul’s journey.

In some parts of South India, including Kerala, there are old superstitions associating moths with negative omens or black magic. However, it is important to note that there is no documented or scientific evidence to support these claims. These ideas are rooted in folklore and cultural beliefs rather than proven facts, reflecting the rich tapestry of local traditions rather than reality.

Personally, I believe butterflies and moths are pure magic delicate messengers of the unseen world. If you open your heart fully and truly watch them, it feels as if you can talk to them, as if they carry whispers of your dreams and wishes. As the old saying goes, “Magic happens to those who believe in it.” These enchanting creatures are everywhere around us, silently carrying our hopes and spreading them gently to our loved ones. In their fragile flight lies a quiet reminder that wonder and miracles live in the simplest moments, waiting for us to notice. Moths in Medicine and Myth

Moths and Mythology: ref. Met museum Kubo Shunman - Various Moths and Butterflies - Japan - The Metropolitan Museum of Art https://share.google/vvMpPEdFVl8wssja7

Interestingly, certain moth species play roles in traditional medicine. In China, the larvae of specific moths are used in remedies, believed to possess therapeutic properties. Moreover, in various cultures, moths are seen as symbols of intuition and inner guidance, bridging the realms of the tangible and the mystical.

Butterflies and Myths :Ornamental butterfly on the huge lotus vase in Todaiji Temple's main hall Japan; Ref: tale of genji Todaiji Temple - Nara, Japan https://share.google/3Ma7XVdWlvJlKGdSt

Scientific Marvels: Gynandromorphs and Wolbachia Delving into the scientific wonders, gynandromorph butterflies, exhibiting both male and female characteristics, challenge our understanding of genetics and development. Currently, I'm engrossed in studying these rare specimens, aiming to unravel the mysteries they hold. Another interesting part of my learning is Wolbachia, a type of bacteria that lives inside many insects, including butterflies. Wolbachia can affect how male and female butterflies develop. Sometimes, it changes male butterflies into females or stops males from being born at all. This helps the bacteria spread and can also change butterfly populations. Scientists are studying Wolbachia because it might help control harmful insect pests in the future. Culinary Curiosities In some Asian cultures, certain moths and their larvae are not only admired but also consumed for health benefits. For example, Ghost Moth caterpillars infected by the Cordyceps fungus are used in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine to boost stamina and immunity. According to local reports from Nepal and India, this valuable fungus called yarsagumba can sell for prices ranging from ₹1 lakh to over ₹20 lakh per kilogram, depending on quality. Silkworm moth larvae are also processed into supplements to reduce inflammation, while in Thailand, moth larvae like bamboo moths are eaten as protein-rich snacks. These examples highlight the diverse ways moths are used, though caution is needed since some species may be toxic or cause allergies.

A Personal Journey Embarking on this exploration of moths and butterflies has been more than an academic pursuit; it's a journey of discovery, wonder, and profound respect for nature's intricacies. Each fluttering wing, each elusive species, tells a story waiting to be heard. As I continue my learning and delve deeper into the world of these remarkable creatures, I invite readers to look beyond the surface, to appreciate the delicate threads that weave our ecosystems together, and to recognize the silent yet significant roles moths and butterflies play in our world.Embarking on this exploration of moths and butterflies has been more than an academic pursuit; it's a journey of discovery, wonder, and profound respect for nature's intricacies. Each fluttering wing, each elusive species, tells a story waiting to be heard. As I continue my learning and delve deeper into the world of these remarkable creatures, I invite readers to look beyond the surface, to appreciate the delicate threads that weave our ecosystems together, and to recognize the silent yet significant roles moths and butterflies play in our world.

Specimens of some butterflies created by Lekshman