The biggest butterfly in the world: who's who?

To date, scientists have recorded two species that can compete for the title "The biggest butterfly in the world." Let's consider each of them separately.

The biggest butterfly in the world: tyranny agrippina

The wingspan of this butterfly goes up to 30.8 cm. The insect of this size was caught in 1934 in South America. But you can see this species not only in the South, but also in Central America. True, unfortunately, not so long ago the agrippina's tyranny was on the verge of extinction.

The basis of the diet named butterfly are the leaves of cassia (shrubs from the family of legumes). The insect is nocturnal. It is also considered the largest night butterfly from the family of scoops. In addition, tizaniya is known under such names as "white sorceress" and "sovka agrippina." Interestingly, in most representatives of the family of scoops, the wingspan rarely exceeds a few centimeters.

Wings of tizaniya wavy at the edges. Their upper part is painted white and decorated with wavy brown, gray or brown strips. As a rule, each of the individuals differs in individual coloration. For example, some have a more pronounced brown pattern, which sometimes even dominates the white background. The lower part of the butterfly's wings is in most cases dark brown. It can be matte or give a metallic sheen. In addition, this part is covered with white spots. From afar, tizaniya resembles a bird of prey.

The life cycle of the described butterfly has not yet been studied enough, as it is not easy to notice seated typing. For a day's rest, this large butterfly chooses light-billed trees. She tries to sit at a height of 4 m above the ground. When tizaniya spreads its huge wings, it completely merges with the surrounding background. But if you frighten her, she quickly breaks off and hides on the trunk of the nearest tree.

The largest butterfly in the world: peacock eye Atlas

More recently, a butterfly was discovered in the Himalayas, which in size can compete with the agrippina's tyranny. The wingspan of the insect found was 25 cm. Although the scientists are sure that this butterfly, better known as the peacock eye Atlas, it can reach 30 cm. It refers to nocturnal species. An interesting feature of this species is the surprising sensitivity of the pinnate antennae of males, due to which butterflies can feel the pheromones of peacock-eyed females for several kilometers. It is worth paying attention to the edge of the wing of these insects. In color, he imitates the head of a snake, which scares away many animals. Another largest butterfly in the world is found in India, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.

Experts say that the exit of this butterfly from the pupa is one of the most fascinating spectacles. First, the head, antennae and legs appear. But the wings in the beginning are small, as if folded. In this regard, the insect can not fly for a while. But soon the wings stretch, reaching the right size. They dry up in a few hours, after which the butterfly is ready for the first flight.