by Abhijeet Ramdas Jadhav

Butterfly, a flying gem of environment. It has always been a part of stories, poems, films, and cartoons. Biologically, it is important as an agent of pollination. During the Collection of nectar from flower to flower, it dusts pollen grains of one flower onto another. They also help in pest control and maintain ecological balance. There are a variety of butterflies found in India like Common Tiger (Danaus genutia), Common Jezebel (Delias eucharis), Common Grass Yellow (Eurema hecabe), and Blue Mormon – State Butterfly of Maharashtra, etc.

In recent research, scientists have used live antennae of moths and butterflies to form a drone called smelicopter. It can detect barriers in the path and find an alternative way to move ahead. The use of smelicopter can be done in disastrous conditions to rescue people caught below the earth or destructed buildings. It can also detect explosives. We want to use every element of the earth, so every flora and fauna deserve to be cared.

Nowadays heavy pollution, increased tower frequency, global warming, and habitat destruction, etc. have reduced the population of butterflies. There are lots of animals from arthropods like moths, beetles, and dragonflies, etc. which are vulnerable and may fall in the endangered category. To save them we can inculcate hobbies like caring for caterpillar/larvae till it transforms into butterflies, captive breeding, and planting more flowery plants in the garden.

Recently, India has declared Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus) as a national butterfly. When it moves its wings upward it looks like a dry leaf and is easily camouflaged on the ground or on the tree trunk. Don’t modify nature, rather adapt to it in such a way that it provides enough time and space for their rejuvenation and multiplication. Let’s unite to save these nature adorners that colour our minds and earth uniquely.

About the Author:

Abhijeet Ramdas Jadhav belongs to Dhakatwadi village of Satara district in Maharashtra. He is pursuing Computer Engg (B.E) from Pune University. He has a great interest to save nature and strengthen the bond between people and nature.