13 December 2012

Random Gallery - Blue Glassy Tiger

Random Butterfly Gallery
The Blue Glassy Tiger (Ideopsis vulgaris macrina)



Last weekend, at Pasir Ris Park, there were a number of Danainae that were attracted to the drying flowers of what looks like a Dill herb (Anethum graveolens) at the Kitchen Garden. A few Blue Glassy Tigers (Ideopsis vulgaris macrina) were so "drunk" on feeding that you could pick them off with your fingers!



There must be some chemical compound in the plant that attracts these Danainaes (which also included a King Crow), that is similar to the drying plant of the Indian Heliotrope (Heliotropium indicum) - a well-known Danainae magnet. Perhaps some botanist may be able to shed some light on what attracts these butterflies to the Dill herb. Here are two shots taken by ButterflyCircle members Jonathan Soong and Loke PF of Blue Glassy Tigers perched and feeding on the flowers of the herb.