Butterflies of U.A.E

United Arab Emirates28 January 1997Draft

Plain Tiger (Chrysippus) The Plain Tiger is a widespread butterfly, seen both in the desert and in city gardens. The colourful caterpillars feed on members of the milkweed family. The poisonous latex, which these plants exude, give an unpleasant taste to both the caterpillar and the butterfly. Predators know this and leave them alone. Blue Pansy (Orithya) The Blue Pansy is the prettiest inhabitant of wadis and plantations. It has spectacular reflecting "eyes" on its hind wings, probably meant to frighten off predators. It loves to feed on fallen dates, and is also found on flowering desert plants and plantations plants. Common Swallowtail (machaon) The Common Swallowtail is the U.A.E.'s largest and one of the most colourful butterflies. It is the most widespread species of the swallowtail family. It can be found in gardens and plantations, often sitting on mud sipping fluids and feeding on many different flowering plants. The caterpillars feed on members of the carrot and orange family. They have a special forked organ behind the head, from which they can emit a distasteful substance when they are threatened. Loew's Blue (Agradiaetus 'oewii) The family of the Little Blues is a very extended family, of which probably half a dozen species occur in the U.A.E. Loew's Blue is quite common in wadis, where their favourite food plants grow.