Balkan green-veined white facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balkan green-veined white |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pieris (butterfly)
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| Species: |
balcana
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The Balkan green-veined white (scientific name: Pieris balcana) is a type of butterfly. It belongs to the Pieridae family, which includes many white and yellow butterflies. This butterfly is known for its pretty white wings.
Its upper wings are mostly white. The tips of the upper wings are a bit darker. Female Balkan green-veined whites usually have two dark spots on their front wings. Males often have only one spot, or sometimes none at all. The underside of their wings is yellowish. You can see gray lines, like veins, running along the wings. These gray lines help tell it apart from a similar butterfly, Pieris napi. On the Balkan green-veined white, the gray lines look more spread out and faded.
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Where the Balkan Green-Veined White Lives
The Balkan green-veined white butterfly lives in a region called the Balkans. You can find it in countries like Croatia, Bulgaria, and central Greece. These butterflies like to live in places that are not too high up, usually below 1,300 meters (about 4,265 feet).
Preferred Habitats
These butterflies enjoy areas with lots of plants. They are often found near hedges and the edges of woodlands. They also like open spaces within forests, called clearings.
The types of forests they live in include:
- Forests with broadleaf trees (trees that lose their leaves in autumn)
- Coniferous woodlands (forests with trees like pines and firs)
- Mixed woodlands (forests with both types of trees)
Life Cycle and Food
Adult Balkan green-veined white butterflies are active from March to October. During this time, they lay their eggs. The eggs are laid on different plants that belong to the Brassicaceae family. This family includes plants like cabbage and mustard.
When the eggs hatch, the young butterflies are called larvae (caterpillars). These larvae eat the leaves of the Brassicaceae plants. This helps them grow and get ready for the next stage of their life.
Protecting the Balkan Green-Veined White
The Balkan green-veined white butterfly is doing quite well. In 2009, experts looked at its population. They decided it was a 'Least concern' species. This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
Why It's Not at Risk
There are a few reasons why this butterfly is considered 'Least concern':
- It lives in a very large area.
- It has a big population, with more than 10,000 adult butterflies.
- Its numbers have not dropped by much in the last 10 years.
- It also lives in many protected areas. These are special places where nature is kept safe.
