Eurytides callias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eurytides callias |
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The Eurytides callias is a beautiful type of butterfly. It belongs to the Papilionidae family, which is also known as the swallowtail butterflies. These butterflies are famous for their often colorful wings and sometimes "tails" on their hindwings.
You can find the Eurytides callias in several countries in South America. It lives in places like French Guiana, parts of Brazil (especially the Amazonas region), southern Venezuela (around Yavita, Rio Ocamo, and Rio Cunucunuma), eastern Ecuador (Napo area), and Peru.
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Discovering the Eurytides Callias
This specific butterfly was first officially described in 1906. Two important scientists, Walter Rothschild and Karl Jordan, were the ones who gave it its scientific name. Scientists use these special names to make sure everyone knows exactly which animal or plant they are talking about, no matter what language they speak.
What Makes a Swallowtail Butterfly Special?
Swallowtail butterflies, like the Eurytides callias, are a very diverse group. They are known for their large size and often striking patterns. Many of them have a unique tail-like extension on their back wings, which looks a bit like the tail of a swallow bird. This is how they got their common name!
Where Does Eurytides Callias Live?
The Eurytides callias prefers tropical and subtropical environments. Its home in South America includes lush rainforests and other warm, humid areas. These habitats provide the perfect conditions for the butterfly to find food, lay its eggs, and for its caterpillars to grow.
- French Guiana: A country on the northeastern coast of South America.
- Brazil (Amazonas): The vast Amazon rainforest region, known for its incredible biodiversity.
- Venezuela (Southern parts): Areas like Yavita, Rio Ocamo, and Rio Cunucunuma are rich in natural wildlife.
- Ecuador (Napo): An eastern region of Ecuador, part of the Amazon basin.
- Peru: Another country with large parts of the Amazon rainforest.
The Life Cycle of a Butterfly
Like all butterflies, the Eurytides callias goes through an amazing transformation called metamorphosis. It starts as an egg, hatches into a larva (caterpillar), then forms a pupa (chrysalis), and finally emerges as a beautiful adult butterfly. Each stage is important for its survival.
Why Butterflies Are Important
Butterflies are not just pretty to look at. They play a vital role in nature, especially as pollinators. As they fly from flower to flower, they help plants reproduce by carrying pollen. This process is crucial for many plants, including those that produce food for humans and other animals.
See Also
- Eurytides callias para niños (This article in Spanish for kids)
