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Nettle-tree butterfly

Nettle-tree butterfly

Libythea celtis

A species of Beaks, Also known as Nettle tree butterfly snout european beak

With wings cloaked in a subtle palette, nettle-tree butterfly flutters through deciduous woodlands, where its larvae feed exclusively on the foliage of certain trees. Adults exhibit an intriguing adaptation—'beak-like' projections on their foreheads mimicking leaf petioles, an evolutionary artifice for camouflage. Agile in flight, they become nearly indiscernible when resting amid veined leaves, a testament to nature's mastery of concealment.

General Info About Nettle-tree butterfly
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Attributes of Nettle-tree butterfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Orange
Habitat
woodland; shrub; town
Adult Food Sources
Asteraceae family flowers (e.g., daisies and sunflowers), fabaceae family flowers (e.g., legumes and peas), apiaceae family flowers (e.g., carrots and parsley), lamiaceae family flowers (e.g., mints and basil), rosaceae family flowers (e.g., roses and cherries)
Larva Food Source
Celtis australis (european nettle tree), celtis occidentalis (common hackberry), celtis japonica, celtis sinensis (chinese hackberry), trema orientalis (oriental trema)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Nettle-tree butterfly is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Nettle-tree butterfly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Nettle-tree butterfly
Its range is southern Europe, Asia Minor, Central Asia and the Chitral ranges of Pakistan.
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Distribution Area of Nettle-tree butterfly
Southern Europe, Asia Minor, Central Asia and the Chitral ranges of Pakistan
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Life Cycle of Nettle-tree butterfly
Egg The initial stage of the nettle-tree butterfly begins with the eggs being laid on host plants. The eggs are often spherical or ovular in shape and display a variance in color, generally blending in with the surroundings to evade predators.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae or caterpillars exhibit rapid growth with frequent molting. These caterpillars possess a distinct, often vibrant pattern serving as defense, while their primary function is to consume plant material voraciously for energy storage.
Pupal Once fully grown, the larva forms a pupa, which serves as a protective casing during transformation. The color and shape of the pupa can widely vary, often mimicking environmental elements such as dead leaves or branches.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult nettle-tree butterfly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction while adapting to the habitat for survival.
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Predators of Adult Nettle-tree butterfly
Birds, spiders, rodents, mantises, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Nettle-tree butterfly
Nettle-tree butterfly has a long, beak-like projection on its head, resembling a tiny twig to evade predators when stationary on tree bark.
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Scientific Classification of Nettle-tree butterfly
Tips for Finding Nettle-tree butterfly
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Youth Habitat of Nettle-tree butterfly
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Nettle-tree butterfly
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Nettle-tree butterfly
Since nettle-tree butterfly are drawn to nectar, setting up traps with sweet substances or using flowers popular with nettle-tree butterfly could attract them effectively.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Nettle-tree butterfly
Nettle-tree butterfly are more likely to be seen when the weather is warm and sunny. Cold, windy, or rainy conditions could decrease their activity, making them harder to spot.
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How and Where Can You Find Nettle-tree butterfly at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of nettle-tree butterfly are often laid on the undersides of leaves of the host plant. Identify the host plant specific to nettle-tree butterfly and inspect the leaves for small clusters or individual eggs.
Larva Caterpillars of nettle-tree butterfly can be found on or near their host plants, where they feed. Look for chewed leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) as indicators of their presence.
Pupal Pupae of nettle-tree butterfly might be attached to plant stems, leaves, or other structures near the host plant. Carefully examine the area around known host plants for camouflaged pupae.
Adult Adult nettle-tree butterfly are likely to be found in areas rich in flowers, feeding on nectar. Search flowering meadows, gardens, or fields, and use binoculars to spot them if they are perched on high flowers or trees.
Are Nettle-tree butterfly harmful?
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Usually, the nettle-tree butterfly won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Nettle-tree butterfly harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Nettle-tree butterfly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Nettle-tree butterfly is an effective pollinator that is particularly drawn to the vibrant colors and sweet scents of Asteraceae and fruit trees. While seeking out the nutritious pollen, they inadvertently collect it on their bodies and transfer it from flower to flower, contributing to plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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