By Isha Sesay • Published: 01 Dec 2019 • 12:45
The blue tiger butterfly (Tirumala Hamata), was found in a garden in Mallorca. Credit: Charles J Sharp
THE very first sighting of a blue tiger butterfly in Europe was recorded in Mallorca, Spain, this year. A resident from Santa Eugènia spotted the striking specimen lying in her garden, taking it to specialists after it had reminded the woman of her travels in India. Samuel Pinya, Professor of Biology and Principal Investigator at the UIB, explained that it is difficult to determine how the butterfly arrived on the island, believing that it could have been transported with plants or even released at a celebratory event. Pinya said the discovery was of complete luck, as if it was not for the quick thinking resident, the butterfly may have been thrown into the trash. As Euro Weekly News understands, the blue tiger butterfly is a distinctive species usually found in southern Asia. They feed mostly on toxic plants and spend long periods resting in sheltered areas during winter.
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