BAPPY KHAN
The existence of many vibrant, varied butterflies is in danger, much like other animals, because of the careless cutting of forest trees, shrub clearing, etc. Around fifteen thousand species of butterflies exist worldwide. Around ten years ago, Bangladesh recorded more than 600 butterfly species. Just 300 species of butterflies exist now, though. People increasingly view the Bangladeshi forest area as a trap for butterflies. More than half a hundred species of butterflies, including Varnachhata ‘Gaudi Baran’ and ‘Common Velvet Bob’, are in danger of going extinct out of the 300 total species in the nation. Changes in conditions are causing habitat loss, progressively leading to the extinction of the lovely and innocuous butterfly.
A butterfly is a type of moth-like insect in the order Lepidoptera. This beautiful moth butterfly has a long body and colourful wings. Most species of butterflies are diurnal. They move around during the day. They wander from flower to flower in search of honey. The country’s forest areas easily host them. According to researchers, ‘Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing’ is the world’s most giant butterfly. The wings of this species of butterfly are up to 25 cm long. The world’s tiniest butterfly species is the ‘Western Pygmy Blue’. They are only 1 cm long. Most species of butterflies have a lifespan of one to two weeks. Some species of butterflies live for another year and a half.
The transparency of butterfly wings is remarkable. Mainly, a protein known as chitin arranges their wings in several layers. This protein forms the exoskeleton of the butterfly. Butterfly wings have such thin layers that everything is visible through them. Thousands of minute scales cover the wing layers. The fibres absorb different light wavelengths and take on new hues. Flying insects taste with their feet. Female butterflies use their feet to massage the leaves of other flowering plants to extract sap. A butterfly tastes through an organ at the rear of its legs called a chemoreceptor.
The forests in Bangladesh’s Bandarban, Ukhia, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, and other regions are home to butterflies. The Sundarbans Madhupur and Lauachhra forests in the Moulvibazar district of the Sylhet region also host several butterfly species. Indiscriminate cutting of “Kumari Lata” and “Grape Vine” in the guise of forest clearance and afforestation is causing the butterflies to lose their habitat. Foresters’ devastation of forests is also responsible for the disappearance of many butterflies.
There was once an abundance of butterflies in our country’s towns and forests. It would be difficult to find someone in the country who had not been enthralled by the vivid colours of butterflies and who had not chased them as children. Lauachhra National Park, which is close to Moulvibazar and renowned for its magnificent woods, is still home to many diverse species of butterflies.
The primary goal of this national research effort is to ensure the long-term survival of every butterfly species inhabiting Chittagong and Prajapati Park. To avert the extinction of butterflies, we have implemented feasible and practical measures. The initial stage in butterfly preservation is awareness-raising among the general public. A relatively high number of individuals engage in forest vine-cutting and safari travel. Because they lose their habitats, reproduction becomes more difficult for the butterflies. We strongly advise you to avoid any contact with them.
There are numerous misconceptions about butterflies that differ from country to nation. Butterflies are commonly associated with emotions such as joy, affection, transformation, and change. The ancient Greeks believed that “the emergence of a butterfly from every moth signifies the birth of a human soul.” The Japanese believe that “whoever enters a butterfly’s home is fortunate.” This belief asserts that an individual will receive a visit from the person they hold in the highest regard. “A pair of butterflies in flight together represents love,” according to Chinese religious doctrine.
The Mexican populace believes that butterflies are the most dynamic organisms on the planet. When a butterfly is observed in its vicinity, it is predicted that the location will produce the most significant quantity of crops. The notion that “the souls of the deceased sojourn on earth like butterflies until they ascend to heaven” is widespread among the Irish. As a result, they hold butterflies in the highest regard. “If a black butterfly enters a house, then a member of that house will die soon.” Filipinos maintain the belief that this is true. Furthermore, it is said that “if a butterfly perches on an individual’s body, that individual is extremely fortunate,” according to the rural inhabitants of Bangladesh’s diverse regions. When an unmarried individual observes a butterfly perched on their person, it is commonly believed that matrimony will soon ensue.