Redonda chiquinquirana facts for kids

The Redonda chiquinquirana is a special type of butterfly. It belongs to a group called Satyrinae, which is part of the larger Nymphalidae family. This butterfly lives only in one specific place: the Cordillera de Merida páramo in Venezuela, a country in northern South America.

One interesting thing about R. chiquinquirana is that male and female butterflies look quite different. This is called sexual dimorphism. For example, their wings are not the same size. The female butterflies sometimes have wings that are a bit deformed. This might mean they are starting to develop a condition called brachyptery, where their wings are smaller than usual or not fully formed.

What is Redonda chiquinquirana?

This butterfly is a unique species found only in the high mountains of Venezuela. It was officially named and described in 2015 by a scientist named Ferrer-Paris. Before it got its own name, people often thought it was just a different kind of Redonda empetrus butterfly. But scientists later found enough differences to give it its own special name.

Where does it live?

The Redonda chiquinquirana butterfly lives in a cool, high-altitude area called the Cordillera de Merida páramo. A páramo is a special kind of ecosystem found in the Andes mountains, usually above the tree line but below the permanent snow line. These areas are often misty and have unique plants and animals that can survive the cold and wet conditions. The páramo in Venezuela is the only place in the world where you can find this particular butterfly.

Why is it important?

The Redonda chiquinquirana butterfly is very important because it is a unique part of Venezuela's wildlife. It helps scientists understand more about how different species evolve and adapt to their environments. Because it only lives in one specific place, it is also a good indicator of the health of that ecosystem. If this butterfly is struggling, it could mean that its habitat is also in trouble.

Is it in danger?

Sadly, the Redonda chiquinquirana is listed as endangered in Venezuela's Red Book of Fauna. This means that there are not many of these butterflies left, and they are at high risk of disappearing forever. Being endangered often happens because their habitat is shrinking or changing due to things like climate change or human activities. Protecting their mountain home is very important to help these butterflies survive.

See also

In Spanish: Mariposa braquíptera de Mucubají para niños