The biggest butterfly in the world. Research work on the topic: "Unusual insects." Queen Alexandra's birdwing Message on the topic Alexandra's ornithopter butterfly

PETLYAKOV ROMAN GO SOSH № 163 CITY OF MOSCOW.2 CLASS.

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2 CLASS.

PETLYAKOV ROMAN MAXIMOVICH.

GOU secondary school No. 163

MOSCOW CITY.

Research work on the topic:

"Unusual Insects".

Birdwing of Queen Alexandra.

In my research work, I want to talk about an unusual insect butterfly Ornithopter Queen Alexandra (Ornithoptera alexandrae). Using the example of the history of the appearance of these photographs, I want to present interesting facts about this insect. The uniqueness of this species lies in its size, beauty, habitat and significance for flora and fauna.

For many years, Bernard d "Abrera has been photographing rare and unusual tropical butterflies for books and magazines. His albums of photographs of butterflies have become a valuable tool for scientists. In search of insects famous for their rare beauty or enormous size, the photographer traveled to his native Australia, the countries of South Asia, New Guinea and everywhere filmed, filmed, filmed...

In the richest collection of photographs of d "Abrera, one photograph of the largest butterfly in the world Ornithopter Queen Alexandra was missing.

Going to the wilds of New Guinea, r "Abrera did not count on success too much. He knew that this butterfly was very rare, careful that no one had ever been able to photograph it in nature. The photographer went over in his memory everything that he had heard or read about her extraordinary .

Ornitaptera in translation from ancient Greek means "bird wing". Queen Alexandra's birdwing or Queen Alexandra's ornithopter is the largest diurnal butterfly in the world, belongs to the family of sailboats. Alexandra's birdwing females are larger than males, their rounded wingspan reaches 28 cm. The length of the abdomen is 8 cm, weight - up to 12 grams. The color of the wings and abdomen is dark brown with white, cream and yellow ornaments. Males are smaller than females, their wingspan is up to 20 cm. Males look very different from females, their wings are narrower, painted in blue and green. The development cycle of a butterfly lasts four months. An adult lives for three months. Caterpillars grow up to 12 cm long and 3 cm thick. There are many different species of these unusual butterflies in the tropics, and they all differ in impressive size: 15 - 18 centimeters in wingspan. For this they are called birdwings. But once in the jungles of New Guinea, one specimen of a new species of Ornithoptera, still unknown to scientists, was accidentally caught. The new species was given the name Alexandra, in honor of the beautiful Queen of England, the wife of King Edward VII of Great Britain. Indeed, this butterfly looked like a queen among birdwings - its wingspan reached 20 centimeters. The only specimen that fell into the hands of scientists turned out to be a male. But it is known that Ornithopter males are always much smaller than females. What kind of giant of the insect world should be the female of this hitherto unseen butterfly? They searched for her, climbed into the very depths of the jungle, questioned the locals - and all to no avail.

Years passed. In 1906, the insect collector A.S. Meek, a determined and cold-blooded man, wandered around New Guinea. In those years, few travelers dared to visit this uncharted land. Mick climbed into the very heart of New Guinea, where no European had yet set foot. Once he was sitting at a tent near a small river, putting in order the insects collected during the day, and suddenly he accidentally looked up. High, high in the gap between the tops of giant trees, a bird flickered. No, not a bird - an insect of unprecedented size. It was not in vain that Mick was considered a man of determination: he quickly loaded the gun with the smallest shot, fired, and a huge butterfly, almost intact, fell at his feet. 28 centimeters in wingspan. Mick immediately realized that the butterfly he had shot was a hitherto unknown female of the legendary Alexandra Ornithoptera.

Over the years, scientific expeditions have increasingly visited the New Guinean jungle. Gradually, we managed to collect information about the habitats of the queen of butterflies. It turned out that Alexandra's birdwing settles only in a few gorges along the rivers in the east of New Guinea, and even there it is never found in mass. Flowers called aristolochia, on whose nectar it feeds, bloom high in the crowns of trees, and there is no reason for the butterfly to descend, so it is very difficult to catch it.

Then the scientists enlisted the help of local residents - the Papuans, and soon the most famous museums were enriched with specimens of the largest species of butterflies in the world. If only museums! Queen Alexandra became interested in people who think a pile of hundred-dollar bills is much more beautiful than any of the most beautiful creatures of nature. Buying butterflies from the Papuans for pennies, they resold them for hundreds and thousands of pounds sterling to wealthy collectors of rarities. A living jewel appeared at auctions and in the shops of rarities dealers in the cities of Europe, America, and Japan. In order not to waste energy on a dizzying hunt for butterflies, poachers got the hang of collecting pupae and caterpillars ready for pupation and breeding butterflies from them for sale. And what did it matter to them that nature was about to lose one of its best ornaments, that soon only museum specimens faded from time would remind of the greatest and most beautiful butterfly in the world?

The authorities took the bird-wing Queen Alexandra under protection, the capture and export of giant butterflies was strictly prohibited. But the few surviving individuals were threatened with a new misfortune - the destruction of forests. The Lamington volcano eruption in 1951 destroyed about 250 sq. km of the natural habitat of this species of butterflies, which is the main reason for their rare distribution. Alexandra's caterpillars feed on the leaves of only one type of plant. This plant makes the eggs that this butterfly lays poisonous. Caterpillars that appear later get a chance to avoid being eaten, as they have a very unpleasant taste for birds and many other predators.

The well-known entomologist Richard Carver hastened to help the queen of butterflies. With the greatest difficulty, having collected a small number of caterpillars and pupae, he delivered them to the most remote corners of the island, not accessible to either lumberjacks, or unceremonious tourists, or poachers - butterfly hunters. Of course, in these parts, aristolochia grows in abundance - the usual food of caterpillars. Where are these protected places, how to get there is the secret of New Guinean zoologists.

All this was well known to Bernard d "Abrera, so he did not believe in luck too much. He did not believe too much, but did not lose hope. D" Abrera managed to find aristolochia. Carefully examining each leaf, he searched for a long time for caterpillars familiar from descriptions and drawings, but they were nowhere to be found. Of course, there were no butterflies either.

Then the photographer began to question the locals. But they either did not know anything about the bird-wing Alexander, or remained silent with a mysterious look. But the photographer felt that some of them knew something. He swore that he needed not Queen Alexandra herself, but her photograph, that he was a friend of nature and would keep secret where the butterfly lives, asked, assured, insisted, convinced. And convinced.

One morning, just before dawn, an unusual procession stretched into the forest: a photographer hung with equipment and his new friends. Shirts were wet with sweat, millions of mosquitoes and mosquitoes climbed into the eyes, ears, nostrils, tangled in the hair, and monstrous three-centimeter ants fell down and painfully biting from the leaves. And all this torment for the sake of Alexandra's birdwing! When the forces were running out, the satellites of d "Abrera stopped. And at the same moment the photographer saw a velvety-black caterpillar that looked like a small snake on a sheet of aristolochia. One, another, a third ... Then Queen Alexandra's pupae began to come across. D" Abrera diligently photographed caterpillars and pupae. His trained eye immediately noticed that one of the pupae looked like a butterfly was about to come out of it. But dusk was falling. Because of the rabid mosquitoes and mosquitoes, it was impossible to spend the night in the jungle, so d "Abrera and his companions decided to come here tomorrow.

The next morning, making his way through the thicket, d "Abrera no longer paid attention to mosquitoes or evil ants. He imagined how he would capture the birth of the world's greatest butterfly on film.

Here it is, the treasured place. Too late: the doll is empty. But no. Not far away, proudly spreading her mighty black-and-blue wings in snow-white spots, sat the newly born queen of butterflies. Click - and the rarest picture is taken. The gigantic wings of Queen Alexandra trembled, the antennae moved - and the butterfly rose into the air. She flew slowly and majestically, as befits a queen. As if wishing to strike the imagination of people, Alexandra's bird-wing described a solemn circle in the air above their heads, then abruptly soared up and disappeared. Silently, with admiration, d "Abrera and his friends followed her with their eyes. d" Abrera knew that there was nothing to dream about the portrait of the king, males are much less common than females, shy and live especially secretly.

He returned to Port Moresby to fly home from there to Australia. The photographer had little time left, and he decided to take a walk along the suburban highway.

Bougainvillea trees planted along the roadside, studded with deep pink flowers, blocked the highway from the coffee plantations. As usual, colorful butterflies swarm around the flowers. And suddenly d "Abrera noticed an unusually large one among them. The photographer's hands reached for the camera. But the mysterious butterfly circled too high, at the very top of a twelve-meter tree.

Suddenly, some other butterfly, the most ordinary one, crazy from the heat, or maybe drunk with flower nectar, for no reason rushed to the mysterious stranger and danced around him. He obviously didn't like this familiarity. He glided down sharply and landed on the bougainvillea flowers very close to the photographer. Under the weight of the giant, a branch strewn with flowers trembled and sank low.

Yes, it was the butterfly king. Like an ancient brocade, his golden-green wings, lined with black lines, sparkled. D "Abrera feverishly filmed.

What else can be added? Photos of Queen Alexandra's birdwing appeared in print. Now everyone can admire them. It’s not for nothing that d’Abrera’s pictures are called the most famous photographs of the century. It won’t be long before someone else is lucky enough to photograph this living miracle. After all, d’Abreka kept his word to his friends: he described in detail the meeting with the queen, the place where this meeting took place, and the road to it The photographer kept it a secret.

In conclusion of this work, I would like to note that this species belongs to the endangered category, is listed in the list of Lepidoptera, the export, re-export and import of which is regulated in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Also, due to a sharp decrease in the number of butterflies of this species due to deforestation, the species Ornithoptera alexandrae was included in the list of animals prohibited from catching. Thus, this species of butterflies is recognized as unique and endangered. It is necessary to preserve the natural pristineness of our planet and preserve the beauty of the world around us!

Picture 1 . Habitat of Queen Alexandra's Birdwing.

Figure 2. Female and male.

3. Chrysalis of the bird-wing of Queen Alexandra.

Figure 5. Papuan and Queen Alexandra's birdwing.

Figure 6. Birdwing of Queen Alexandra.

Figure 7. Birdwing of Queen Alexandra.

Bibliography.

1.L. V. Kaabak, A. V. Sochivko Butterflies of the world / G. Vilchek. - Moscow: Avanta +, 2003. - S. 86. - 184 p. - (The most beautiful and famous). - 10,000 copies. -

2.B. Landman Butterflies. Illustrated encyclopedia / scientific. reviewer Divakova S. V. - Moscow: Labyrinth Press, 2002. - S. 71. - 272 p. - (Illustrated Encyclopedia).

3. Ornithoptera alexandrae: information on the website of the Red Book.

“Flitting like a butterfly” is an expression we use everyday and naturally, putting into it the ease, speed, naturalness, grace of movements and actions of a person. The inhabitants of our country (at least in its central part) are used to the fact that butterflies do not reach large enough sizes and can easily fit in the palm of a person. Nevertheless, entomologists claim that on our planet there are now more than 110 thousand (according to other sources, even more than 140 thousand) of the most diverse species of these flying insects.

There are also real, if I may say so, "giants" among them, who are able to amaze even the most trained person with their size. In practice, they can compete with small birds in their anthropometric parameters. By the way, even in classical cases, modern scientists are not yet able to fully analyze and describe the process of formation of butterflies from caterpillars, including such large ones.

The largest butterflies in the world (Top 4)

Thysania agrippina

Among the largest specimens, without a doubt, one can single out the South American tropical owl - the largest butterfly in the world known to scientists. It is also commonly called Thysania Agrippina from the Latin version of Thysania agrippina. Back in 1934, the largest specimen of this insect species was caught. You will not believe it, but its wingspan was 308 mm. This event took place in Brazil. It is worth noting that after 63 years in 1997, but already in Peru, Tizania Agrippina was caught by scientists with almost identical wingspan parameters. At the same time, the length of the body of the insect itself can reach about 80 mm - this is a lot.

It is worth noting that this butterfly is actually a very rare species, even for its habitat (Mexico, some other regions of South America, especially its northern part). For this reason, the population of the South American tropical armyworm is under vigilant control and protection.

Most butterflies delight the human eye with their bright, unique and non-standard coloring. But this statement does not apply to the species considered above. Perhaps the only advantage in aesthetic terms is precisely the size. The color of the wings of the insect is quite faded and unattractive. Small brown spots are located on a grayish background. However, this does not prevent connoisseurs and nature lovers from enjoying Thysania agrippina.

Coscinocera Hercules

Peacock-eye Hercules, this is the name of the next large butterfly, which will be discussed below. This amazing creation of nature lives in distant Australia, as well as on nearby islands, such as New Guinea. The wingspan of this insect sometimes exceeds 280 mm. At the same time, females have the largest area (this parameter is also used in science) of wings, which can reach 263 cm2. Because of this, in fact, she got her name in honor of the mythical ancient hero.

As a rule, in the conditions of its natural habitat, the butterfly Coscinocera hercules feeds on such plants (at the stage of caterpillar development) as a brook tree and a late bird cherry. But, it should be noted that in captivity the caterpillars of this insect can perfectly adapt to other "ingredients" of their diet. So in our area you can grow Peacock-eye Hercules on a walnut, privet, even the well-known lilac or even willow.

In conclusion, it must be said that it is rather difficult to see such an unusual and rather rare butterfly for many reasons, among which, perhaps, it is worth highlighting one. This insect is exclusively nocturnal. As a result, it is almost impossible to see it (given its protective coloration) in the rainforest where it lives.

Ornithoptera alexandrae

Queen Alexandra's ornithopter, Queen Alexandra's birdwing, Queen Alexandra's birdwing, Ornithoptera alexandrae - this is what another representative of giant butterflies is called. The wingspan of the female sometimes reaches 280 mm, but in males this parameter is much smaller and rarely exceeds 200 mm. At the same time, males and females differ significantly in coloring. Representatives, so to speak, of the "weak half" are painted brown with splashes of cream ornament, while males have a blue and green tint to their wings.

An interesting story is the assignment of a scientific (so unusual) name to this species of butterflies. It is known that the first European who was able to detect this insect was a certain Albert Stuart Meek in 1906. But just a year later, the butterfly collector, the famous Walter Rothschild, gave the scientific name Ornithoptera alexandrae in honor of the wife of the King of Great Britain, who at that time was King Edward VII.

Another interesting fact associated with these unusual insects is that they have a very limited range of promise. They can be found in their natural environment only in the region of the Popondetta Mountains, which are located in Popua New Guinea. As a result, Ornithoptera alexandrae is a very rare insect species highly valued by all butterfly collectors.

Attacus atlas

Another representative of giant butterflies is Attacus atlas, which has a very large habitat, unlike previous specimens. It is distributed almost throughout Southeast Asia - from Java to Borneo, and from Indonesia to Thailand. The wingspan of females (and they are also largely larger than males) can reach up to 260 mm. It is worth noting that this butterfly is not only giants in its form, but also very beautiful. They come in reds, browns, creams, yellows and pinks.

And in conclusion, people actively use this type of insect for their own purposes. In particular, a silk thread is obtained, which is secreted by the caterpillar Attacus atlas. Silk fabrics from this thread are of very high quality. In addition, original wallets are often made from cocoons, and they can reach 100 mm.

Papua New Guinea

Description

The pride of the eastern tropics - Queen Alexandra's Ornithopter! We take off our hats, gentlemen, before such a big beauty! It's time for us to get acquainted with the largest butterfly in the world: the female Ornithoptera Queen Alexandra is considered the largest diurnal butterfly with a wingspan of up to 30 cm. But note that this is only a female! Here is how the famous naturalist and traveler Alfred Russel Wallace described the meeting with this "royalty": "During the first walk through the forest, I saw a huge dark-colored butterfly with white and yellow spots sitting on the greenery out of reach. I could not take it, because she immediately flew up to the crowns of trees, but I noticed that it was a female with huge wings, like a bird!... The next day I went to the same bushes again... and found one of the most magnificent colored butterflies in world. The wingspan of the male is over seven inches (about 15 cm), velvety black and fiery orange combined with a bright green color. The beauty and brilliance of this insect is indescribable, and none but a naturalist can understand the intense excitement that I then experienced...
The behavior of these royal butterflies is amazing: males “patrol” their territory of the forest every morning and often engage in air battles with competitors, they can even drive away small birds. When the male discovers the female, he hovers over her for some time, releasing pheromones so that she feels his presence and mating begins. After mating, the female incubates the eggs for 2-3 days. Then he lays eggs. After that, females and males fly in the morning and evening. Butterflies feed on the nectar of hibiscus and other large flowers that can support their weight, by the way, a butterfly weighs about 12 grams. However, during the collection of nectar, butterflies constantly flutter their wings, supporting themselves in the air by weight. And finally, the most important thing: this type of Ornithopter is considered the rarest species and is found only in a tiny area - the Popondetta Valley in Papua New Guinea. And this species was discovered in 1907 by Rothschild.

Queen Alexandra's birdwing (lat. Ornithoptera alexandrae Rothsild) is one of the largest diurnal butterflies on our planet. It belongs to the Sailboat family (lat. Papilionidae). The famous banker and passionate collector of butterflies, Walter Rothschild, named her so in honor of the wife of King Edward VII of England, Alexandra.

Spreading

The insect lives in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea, growing on the Popondetta mountain range. In these forests, the Diels chirkazon is found. On this plant, the birdwing lays its eggs. When choosing a plant for masonry, the butterfly is very scrupulous, since caterpillars that are born can consume an illegal product.

The erupting volcano Lamington in 1951 destroyed large areas inhabited by birdwings.

Since then, under natural conditions, Queen Alexandra's birdwing has been very rare. Deforestation has significantly affected the population size.

Currently, the capture of this species is prohibited. The insect has no natural enemies.

Description

The birdwing has a highly visible sexual dimorphism. Females are much larger than males. The largest insect is kept in the London Museum with a wingspan of 27.2 cm, with an abdomen length of about 8 cm and a weight of 12 g.

The wingspan of the male does not exceed 20 cm. They are narrower and cast in a green-blue tint, but in the brightness of the color, the females are inferior to their partners.

Volumetric brown wings are decorated with an ornament of coffee and yellow spots of various configurations. The unique pattern on the lower wings of the insect makes it possible to distinguish the female birdwing from other species.

reproduction

The butterfly develops over four months. The adult life cycle is limited to three of them. Caterpillars eat a variety of species of pickaxons.

The velvet-black caterpillar grows up to 12 cm in length, reaching up to 3 cm in diameter. The pupa has a cocoon diameter of 8 cm and a length of 9 cm.

Catching a birdwing is very difficult. It flies very high and does not land on the ground.

The insect obtains its food in the form of nectar in the crowns of trees from the flowers of aristocholia. For its addiction to this plant, the butterfly was called the bird-winged aristocholium.

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Abstract on the topic:

Queen Alexandra's Birdwing

Plan:

1 Spreading
2 Description
3 Breeding
4 Security Notes

Introduction

Queen Alexandra's Birdwing or Queen Alexandra's birdwing or Queen Alexandra's ornithopter(Ornithoptera alexandrae Rothschild, 1907) - the largest diurnal butterfly in the world, belongs to the family of sailboats ( Papilionidae).

The first European to discover this type of butterfly in 1906 was collector Albert Stuart Meek. In 1907, the banker and butterfly collector Lord Walter Rothschild named the species in honor of Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII of Great Britain.

1. Distribution

The butterfly is found in a limited range - in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea in the region of the Popondetta mountains. View belongs to the category endangered(endangered taxon) according to the IUCN classification. The eruption of the Lamington volcano in 1951 destroyed about 250 km² of the natural habitat of this butterfly species, which is the main reason for their rare distribution. Also, due to a sharp decline in the number of butterflies of this species due to deforestation under the CITES agreement, the species Ornithoptera alexandrae was included in the list of prohibited animals for trapping.

2. Description

Close copy is male, far copy is female

Alexandra's birdwing females are larger than males, their rounded wingspan reaches 28 cm. The length of the abdomen is 8 cm, weight - up to 12 grams. The color of the wings and abdomen is dark brown with white, cream and yellow ornaments. Males are smaller than females, their wingspan is up to 20 cm. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced - males look very different from females, their wings are narrower, painted in blue and green.

3. Reproduction

The development cycle of a butterfly lasts four months. An adult lives for three months. Forage plants of caterpillars - Diels aristolochia ( Aristolochia dielsiana) and Schechter's aristolochia ( Aristolochia schlechteri) . Caterpillars grow up to 12 cm long and 3 cm thick.

4. Security notes

It is listed in the list of Lepidoptera, the export, re-export and import of which is regulated in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Notes

1 2 3 4 L. V. Kaabak, A. V. Sochivko Butterflies of the world / G. Wilchek. - Moscow: Avanta +, 2003. - S. 86. - 184 p. - (The most beautiful and famous). - 10,000 copies. - ISBN 5-94623-008-5, ISBN 5-98986-071-4
1 2 3 V. Landman Butterflies. Illustrated encyclopedia / scientific. reviewer Divakova S. V. - Moscow: Labyrinth Press, 2002. - S. 71. - 272 p. - (Illustrated Encyclopedia). - ISBN 5-9287-0274-4
Kravchuk P. A. Nature records. - L.: Erudit, 1993. - 216 p. - 60,000 copies. - ISBN 5-7707-2044-1
Ornithoptera alexandrae- www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/15513/: information on the IUCN Red List website (eng.)
N. Mark Collins, Michael G. Morris Threatened Swallowtail Butterflies of the World: The IUCN Red Data Book - books.google.co.uk/books?id=RomV7uO_t9YC&pg=PA288&vq=Ornithoptera alexandrae&dq=Ornithoptera alexandrae&lr=&as_brr=3&hl=ru&source=gbs_search_s&sig=R14iNU6hDDUnvQgDqDqDqDqDq=gbs_search_s&sig=R14iNU6hDDUnvQgDqDqDqDq - IUCN, 1985. - P. 288. - 401 p. - ISBN 2880326036

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This abstract is based on an article from the Russian Wikipedia. Synchronization completed on 07/11/11 13:36:58
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