Fluttering with the butterflies
Liz Price
Saturday, March 3, 2007
THE butterflies flittered and fluttered all around us in a riot of colour. They seemed totally unconcerned by our presence and would come to rest on the flowers, plants and rock surfaces, almost as if asking to have their photo taken.
They were perfect photographic models as unlike most butterflies in the wild, these ones rested with their wings open and perfectly still.
It was a cameraman's dream and a lepidopterists delight. We were in the Penang Butterfly Farm in Malaysia.
The tourist leaflets describe the farm as '"the world's first tropical live butterfly sanctuary". What it really means is that it is the first in the world to be set up in the Tropics.
Located near Batu Feringghi at Teluk Bahang, about 17 kilometres from Georgetown, the capital of Penang.
As we entered the farm, it was like stepping into a tropical greenhouse. Lush green plants, ponds and a small stream filled up the area.
The butterflies were flying freely amongst the landscaped garden. There are between 3,000 - 4,000 butterflies here, representing over 120 species.
I learnt that the life span of a butterfly is only about two weeks.
They were of such varied colours that I kept taking photos, as each butterfly seemed nicer than the last one. It was enjoyable to study each butterfly at such close quarters, as it came to rest on its favourite nectar plant.
Butterflies and moths come under the biological order of Lepidoptera. Butterflies typically fly during the day, and have clubbed or dilated antennae and two pairs of usually brightly coloured wings held erect when at rest. Moths on the other hand are generally nocturnal, often drably coloured, and distinguished from butterflies as having a stout body, lacking clubbed antennae, and folding the wings flat when at rest.
There are various stations around the farm, where you can learn about what you are seeing. The butterfly stations cover the eggs and caterpillars, and then the pupae. For instance, did you know that a female butterfly will only lay her eggs on a particular food plant, so that her baby caterpillars will only eat the right leaves suitable for them. These caterpillars then pupate before emerging as a brand new winged butterfly.
My interest was then drawn to the scorpion pit. I have seen scorpions in several caves in Malaysia, but they tend to be smaller than their cousins outside in the forests. The ones in the butterfly farm were much bigger. We learnt that a male will hold the pincers of the female and dance with her as a part of the pre-mating behaviour. After the young are born the female carries them around on her back.
We passed some tanks of aquatic insects such as the water scorpions. These creatures breathe through their tails, which they use like a periscope. The snake corner housed whip snakes which are non poisonous. They generally hang from trees and are quite well camouflaged.
In the centre of the enclosure is a koi pond. These Japanese carp are quite tame and you can buy food to feed them. Next to their pond is a lily pond. Throughout the enclosure there were flowering plants such as Heliconias and pitcher plants. It was peaceful with the sound of the gently running water and the chirping of the finches. These birds are seed eaters so do not disturb the butterflies.
The reptile stations house a variety of lizards, such as green iguana from Central and South America, and other lizards and geckoes from Asia. The Horned Tree lizard blended in well with its surroundings and I bet a lot of people didn't even spot it.
But the true masters of camouflage are the phasmids or stick insects. People would glance at the display cabinet and say "there's nothing there" and move on. But there are creatures there, it's just they are so well camouflaged that it takes time and patience to spot them. The Little Zoo is a room depicting Malaysian insects such as the huge Three-horned Rhino Beetle and a rare Orchid Mantis. Also on display are giant Tarantulas and various species of giant and colourful beetles.
The insect museum claims to be the first of its kind in the country. It is an exhibition of colour as well as beauty as about 2000 specimens are on display. These are from 1400 species - 600 species of butterflies and moths, and 800 species of beetles and other insects.
Some of the beetles have stunning colours, such as metallic greens and blues. Once again Mother Nature had used plenty of imagination when creating these insects.
The emphasis of the museum is on education, and clearly displays features such as evolution, classification and camouflage of this incredible insect world.
The trail then led to the ubiquitous gift shop. Firstly we entered the Art Gallery which has a wide selection of exclusive batik paintings. Lastly is the souvenir shop. There were many species of mounted butterflies and insects for sale, and it was nice to know that these had come from the farm rather than being caught in the wild.
Having gone to the butterfly farm expecting to spend an hour or so there, we realised we had actually been inside for much longer. But it was well worthwhile, as it is a fascinating place. Go and check it out for yourself.
The Brunei Times
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Source URL:
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/en/classification/life/travel/2007/03/03/fluttering_with_the_butterflies
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