MELAKA: The Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Park conservation centre is fluttering with Idea lynceus butterflies again, after almost a year’s absence since the study was stopped, due to a lack of funds from low collection at the gates during the movement control order period.
Last chance to see: The species may go extinct as the butterfly sanctuary may not be able to continue breeding it due to pandemic restrictions. Bernama
MELAKA: Did you know that there is a butterfly species that can fly back and forth from Melaka to Kuala Lumpur 44 times in its life span of 14 days?
Known as Idea lynceus, this species, also known as the Malaysian tree nymph has a unique golden chrysalis and resembles floating tissue paper when it flies as it is said to be the lightest butterfly in the world.
Unfortunately, the butterfly characterised by its translucent white wings with black veins, and numerous oval black spots faces extinction as the 16-year research on the rare species at the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary in Ayer Keroh here may end due to lack of funds.
Known as Idea lynceus, this species, which is also known as the Malaysian tree-nymph, has a unique golden chrysalis and resembles a floating piece of tissue paper when it flies as it is said to be the lightest butterfly in the world.
Unfortunately, the butterfly, which is characterised by its translucent white wings patterned with black veins, and numerous oval black spots, faces a risk of extinction as the 16-year research on the rare species conducted at the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary in Ayer Keroh here may not continue due to a lack of funds.
Sanctuary employee Azmira Edora Mohamad, 25, holding up a tree nymph butterfly.