Hebomoia glaucippe

Hebomoia glaucippe (Hebomoia glaucippe)

Phylum — arthropoda
Class — insecta
Order — lepidoptera
Family — pieridae

Genus – hebomoia

Appearance

The green caterpillars of Hebomoia glaucippe masquerade as vine snakes to keep danger at bay. An orange-red and blue marking on the head mimics the eye of a snake and makes the caterpillar's head seem larger and more intimidating.

Hebomoia glaucippe is white with bright orange and black forewing tips. The underside is similar, but the hindwings are light brown and resemble the surface of a dead leaf. Males and females are differ in color. Males have got bright orange tips of the forewings, females have got many black spots on the wings. The butterfly's wingspan reaches 10 cm.

Habitat

This species is found in much of south and southeast Asia, as well as in southern China and southern Japan.

Behavior

Hebomoia glaucippe demonstrates daily activity. Males spend most of their time perching on the ground with their wings closed. In this position, they look like a dead leaf and are camouflaged from predators. In between perching, males fly around looking for females.

A recent discovery showed that the species has a powerful peptide toxin in its wings called glacontryphan-M. The same toxin is also found in a species of sea snail, Conus marmoreus. More commonly known as the marble cone snail, it injects its prey using a harpoon mechanism. In butterflies, it is thought this toxin wards off a wide range of predators by producing a bad taste – one more weapon in their arsenal.

Diet

Adults nectar frequently and prefer Lantana plants. The caterpillars feed on plants from the caper family (Capparaceae: Crateva and Capparis spp.) and Cleomaceae family (Cleome spp.).

Reproduction

The caterpillars are developed on the cypress tree. The pupae take on the color of the place where they pupate and are yellow, green, or flesh-colored. The pupa stage lasts 2 weeks. The life span of the imago is 4-6 days.

In captivity

Home insectarium for breeding butterflies is easy to equip. These insects do not require special maintenance and care, it is enough to observe several conditions.

For breeding, plastic or glass containers with earth and forage plants are suitable. The container is closed with a fine mesh and gauze. When the caterpillar begins to make a cocoon, it needs a branch where it can hang vertically. You can notice this condition by the sluggishness of the insect. Arrange several reliable horizontal poles which are easy for the caterpillars to climb. They will hang until they are born for several days or even weeks. The approximate temperature is 26-28 ^oC, humidity is up to 90%. Pupae do not eat. When the imago is born, the adult also do not eat anything for several hours. During the first hours of life, the butterfly dries and opens its wings. To do this she will need vertical twigs or sticks which are comfortable to sit on. Ordinary water with honey diluted in it is perfect for feeding the butterfly.