Lelex mimic white facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lelex mimic white |
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The lelex mimic white (scientific name: Dismorphia lelex) is a type of butterfly. It belongs to the Pieridae family, which includes many white and yellow butterflies. This special butterfly is found in parts of South America, specifically in countries like Ecuador and Colombia.
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About the Lelex Mimic White Butterfly
The lelex mimic white butterfly gets its name because it "mimics" or looks like other butterflies. This can help protect it from predators. These butterflies are fairly small.
How Big Are They?
The distance from one wingtip to the other, called the wingspan, is usually around 45 mm (1.8 in) for male butterflies. Female lelex mimic whites are a little smaller, with a wingspan of about 42 mm (1.7 in). That's roughly the length of a few paper clips!
Different Types of Lelex Mimic Whites
Just like there can be different breeds of dogs, there can be different types of butterflies within the same species. These are called subspecies. Scientists recognize two main subspecies of the lelex mimic white butterfly:
- Dismorphia lelex lelex: This subspecies is found in both Ecuador and Colombia. It's the original type discovered.
- Dismorphia lelex xiomara: This subspecies was identified more recently in 2004 by a scientist named Lamas. It is found only in Ecuador.
See Also
- In Spanish: Dismorphia lelex para niños
