Interesting Facts About Butterflies

In fact, because of the vast number of insects, there is significant differentiation among species. Just as we recognize differences between butterflies and grasshoppers, cicadas and mantises, or true bugs and dragonflies, it is also important to note that even within a single species, there can be substantial variation. For example, in Vietnam alone, there are nearly 2,000 species of butterflies.

Each of these species has different habitats and behaviors. By understanding this, we can learn more about our garden through observing insects. In this article, I will focus on observing butterflies in the garden, although other insects can also provide valuable information about the garden.

Why Choose Butterflies?

Because of their noticeable characteristics:

• Butterflies are large, easily identifiable insects due to their bright colors and large size.
• Butterflies are commonly found and present in almost every environment.
• Butterflies are widely loved and frequently observed.

In the following sections, I will provide detailed information about six common butterfly species, their habitats, and what this means for our garden if we encounter them. But first, let’s cover some basic facts about butterflies.

To observe butterflies, it’s important to know that they are distinct insects, quite different from crickets, mantises, grasshoppers, or bees.

Distinct Features of Butterflies:

• Butterflies have large, colorful wings that cannot fold like those of crickets, mantises, or true bugs.
• Their wings are thin, unlike the hard wings of beetles.
• Butterfly wings are soft and covered in scales, unlike the tough, smooth wings of bees or dragonflies.

The only insect with similarly colorful wings is the forest cicada, specifically the elephant trunk cicada, but its wings are tougher and more durable than those of butterflies.

The closest relative to butterflies is the moth. However, moths are generally darker, more nocturnal, and have different antennae and mouthparts. Moths are also much more numerous than butterflies.

Butterflies start life as caterpillars, meaning caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies. To become a perfect butterfly, they must go through several life stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa, and butterfly. However, I won’t delve into caterpillars or other stages here, as their complexity can be overwhelming. Instead, observing butterflies—if done attentively—can provide ample information for gardening.

Observing Butterflies

Like all insects, butterflies are 'dynamic,' so don’t expect them to be fixed to one type of plant, habitat, or climate, as ecological indicators. While butterflies do associate with specific plants, habitats, and climates, they should be viewed in their dynamic context.

>>>Read More: Interesting Facts About Ants

Interesting Facts About Butterflies

For instance, while powdery butterflies prefer leguminous plants, we might find them on mustard plants under favorable conditions. Dry leaf butterflies thrive in dense, humid, cool forests, yet we may encounter them in dusty, hot city streets.

We've probably heard of the European mantis moving north, into temperate areas where they previously couldn’t survive. Conversely, in Vietnam, a type of insect called the stag beetle is retreating.

This 'dynamic' nature is also present in plants, but it’s much more pronounced in animals.

Of course, while observing butterflies, we should also consider their 'static' aspects, which are easier to grasp. The following illustrations will detail their static features.

Basic Knowledge for Observing Butterflies

Depending on classification, butterflies are divided into several groups, but essentially there are six main ones: Swallowtails, Whites, Skippers, Blues, Nymphalids, and Brush-footed butterflies.

Among them, Swallowtails are the largest and often considered the most beautiful. Powdery butterflies are the most commonly encountered and often seen in large numbers. Blue butterflies closely resemble powdery butterflies but have small antennae at the end of their wings. Skippers are among the least attractive, as they are mostly drab and resemble moths. Brush-footed butterflies, a recently categorized group, have metallic stripes on their wings and squared wing corners.

Each group of butterflies has different lifestyles. Even within a specific group, there can be variations in habitat, which helps us understand our garden better. This requires long-term observation of our own garden, as no one can provide a definitive answer.

The information provided here is only a general overview; in reality, situations may vary due to their 'dynamic' nature.

To Observe Butterflies, Consider:

• Season
• Region
• Garden
• Time

Don’t assume that a rare butterfly appearing in your garden means your garden is more naturally balanced than your neighbor’s. Also, don’t think that a higher density of butterflies indicates a cleaner garden. Similarly, don’t question why one naturally managed garden has one set of species while another has a different set.

All this boils down to four factors: season, region, garden, and time.

All butterflies appear seasonally, though some species may be seen year-round, they also have their own seasons. This is reflected in the frequency of their high or low appearances. So, don’t be surprised if you don’t see any butterflies in a natural garden; it may simply be that you are visiting out of season.

Supporting the season are the 'region' and 'garden.' In a region with similar terrain, climate, and habitat, you’ll find similar butterfly species. However, the specific 'garden' also matters: depending on the garden type you’re developing, there will be additional unique species.

Finally, 'time' is a challenging concept to explain, but consider this example:

Some years, a particular butterfly species may suddenly appear in large numbers, while in other years it doesn’t appear at all. Or, why does one garden have a certain species while a neighboring garden doesn’t?

This aspect lies outside the rules of 'region, garden, and season,' as these factors are repetitive annually and are relatively predictable. However, this phenomenon is more random and harder to predict.

There is indeed a pattern, but it’s subtler, harder to detect, and appears only when conditions are fully met, reaching a peak before disappearing. This is what I refer to as 'time,' a rare but impactful factor in garden observation. When it occurs, it can appear in large numbers, significantly affecting the garden, either positively or negatively. Often, this impact is negative, as it can be labeled as a 'pest.'

To conclude, here is a model I’ve observed in forest gardens:

• When starting to rehabilitate a garden, depending on its condition, you will most likely encounter more flower butterflies, particularly eyed butterflies, blues, and skippers, as gardens often allow grasses to grow, which is an ideal environment for eyed caterpillars because they feed on grasses.
• After a few years, more colorful butterflies will appear. Many may think their garden is now naturally balanced due to the increase in insects. However, this presence is typically due to the abundance of short-lived plants: their flowers provide an ideal environment for flower butterflies and light-loving butterflies like swallowtails.
• To test this, wait a few more years. As the trees mature, the number of beautiful butterfly species may decrease, replaced by more drab, unattractive species. This doesn’t mean your garden is less natural; rather, you are moving in the right direction toward natural balance, as butterflies are insects of open, airy spaces.
• If your garden progresses further into a small forest with a complete ecological cycle, you will see a great diversity of butterfly species. At this stage, no single species will dominate; instead, each habitat will support specific groups, such as flower butterflies and powdery butterflies near flower clusters by the stream, or swallowtails near stagnant water or clay patches. Deep within grassy areas, you’ll find eyed butterflies and skippers. Under dense tree canopies, you may see blues or even spotted butterflies if there are decaying fruits. In the darkest, most secluded part of the garden, you’ll find dry leaf butterflies.

If your garden also has a high hill with a different climate, you might encounter even more unique swallowtail species.

However, I have not yet had the opportunity to experience this level of garden development. This is just a recount of what a true forest might look like.