Tarucus theophrastusThe labyrinth, popularly known as the ‘African labyrinth’ and located in Murcia and Almeria, was chosen. Butterfly of 2024The other three lepidoptera are: canary wave butterfly, paraj xiphioides; the Saturnia Pavonia or little turkey and Vanessa Atalantabecame a finalist in a vote among fans from around the country.
Tarucus theophrastus (African labyrinth) is extraordinarily small compared to most European diurnal butterflies. Another feature is resistance to extreme weather conditions.
The species is well adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Almeria and MurciaIt is where jujube grows, the only plant that caterpillars feed on. It is also found in North Africa and Asia Minor and reaches India.
Scarce living space has been greatly reduced in recent years due to urban expansion and densification. agricultural production in greenhousesA type of resort that has taken over the province of Almería for years.
In Spain, its distribution is limited to the autonomous community of Murcia and the province of Almería.
Butterfly of the Year selection in Spain, Association for the Protection of Spanish Butterflies and Their Environment (Zerynthia) has been a leading organization in the research, conservation and dissemination of butterflies since its establishment in 2007.
Through this selection, which has been held since 2016, the business strives to highlight a diurnal or nocturnal butterfly species in order to make it better known to society, highlight its threats and encourage its conservation.
257 species of diurnal butterflies in Spain
Spain, with 257 species of diurnal butterflies The second country with the highest diversity of these insects in the European Union. When approximately 5,130 species of night butterflies or moths are added to this figure, the richness and importance of our country’s natural heritage is emphasized.
The selection of ‘Butterfly of the Year’ not only recognizes this biodiversity, but also emphasizes the need to protect these species The association adds that it is necessary for ecological balance.
In addition, activities are planned to increase awareness and knowledge about the winning species, including field trips, educational materials and the publication of technical guides.
Finalists of the 2024 competition
one.-Saturnia Pavonia (little turkey)
It is the smallest of six species of saturniids found in Spain. During the day, females attract males with a very strong pheromone. At night, they lay their eggs on a wide variety of wild plants on which their caterpillars feed. It is a species of magnificent beauty that can be found in most Spanish provinces.
*Distribution: All provinces of the peninsula, but excluding the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla.
2.- Vanessa Atalanta (atalanta)
It is one of the butterflies with the greatest migration capacity in Europe. In autumn, large numbers of adult specimens arrive in Spain from central and northern Europe. In some winters, such as 2021, this migration is particularly intense and easy to observe. They can withstand the harsh winter where they can be observed on sunny days. Once the coldest period of the year is over, they breed to re-colonize the more northern regions of our continent.
*Distribution: All Spanish provinces, including the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
3.- paraj xiphioides (canary wavy)
This butterfly is common in moist, shady, forest environments such as laurel forest. It is related to the European “wavy” butterfly (Paraj Aegean Region), very common on the continent. However, this is a Canarian endemism specific to the islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. It is part of a group of 13 diurnal butterflies endemic to the Canary Islands, and all of them are of great value due to their limited distribution and exclusivity.
*Distribution: Exclusive to the autonomous community of the Canary Islands. Available in El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
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