Wings Of Wonder: Discovering The Beauty, Plight Of Butterflies And Moths

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 23 (Bernama) – Butterflies and moths may appear similar at first glance, but their unique traits reveal a world of fascinating differences.

Dr Nazirah Mustaffa, a senior lecturer at the Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), offered intriguing insights into these delicate insects.

“Butterflies have antennae shaped like clubs or hammers at the tip, while moths display diverse forms of antennae, including needle-like or gill-like structures.When resting, butterflies typically fold their wings vertically upwards, whereas moths rest with their wings spread flat,” she told Bernama.

The size of moths can be astonishing, particularly those in the Attacus genus, found in tropical rainforests like Borneo. These giants have wingspans of up to 24 centimetres, showcasing nature’s boundless creativity.

Nazirah also highlighted their behavioural differences, explaining that butterflies are diurnal and often seen basking in the morning sun or fluttering at dusk. Moths, in contrast, are predominantly nocturnal, though some species venture out during the day. Even their body shapes set them apart: butterflies are sleek and elongated, while moths tend to be more robust.

The differences don’t end there. Moths are further classified into two categories: macro moths, with wingspans exceeding 20 millimetres, and micro moths, which are significantly smaller. Butterflies, meanwhile, have captured human imagination with their vibrant colours and daytime activity, symbolising transformation and beauty.

Despite their allure, the lifespans of butterflies and moths are fleeting. Most live between one to six months, though some butterfly species can survive up to a year under optimal conditions. This brevity, coupled with habitat loss and environmental threats, has placed many species at risk of extinction.

Butterflies from the Nymphalidae and Papilionidae families, along with Troides amphrysus, are protected under Malaysia’s Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. Similarly, the majestic Attacus atlas moth has been proposed for international protection under CITES Appendix II, as these specimens are sold online for prices ranging from RM80 to RM320.

Malaysia’s pride, the Trogonoptera brookiana or Rajah Brooke's Birdwing, has earned its place as the national butterfly. In Sabah, the Kinabalu Birdwing, affectionately known as Kalibambang Emas, was declared the state butterfly in September last year, celebrating its ties to the region's natural heritage.

Yet, the future remains uncertain. Reports suggest that by 2100, up to 50 per cent of Southeast Asia’s butterfly species, including Rajah Brooke’s, may vanish forever unless conservation efforts intensify.

Nestled in the heart of Ranau, the Butterfly Garden at Sabah Parks in Poring serves as a sanctuary for preserving and nurturing these winged wonders.

Justinah Parantis, a senior research assistant at the garden, explained how dedicated projects like orchid gardens, ethnobotanical landscapes, and even a canopy walkway are designed to attract and sustain butterfly populations.

Within the two-hectare sanctuary, a butterfly breeding laboratory ensures the continuity of life. Eggs, larvae, and pupae are meticulously cared for until they transform into adult butterflies. The garden experiences peak butterfly activity between December and March and again in August, with the arrival of female Rajah Brooke's Birdwing butterflies being a much-anticipated event.

“We can rear up to 30 Rajah Brooke's caterpillars at a time,” Justinah said, adding that the females are released back into the wild to lay eggs, as they do not reproduce in captivity, while a few males are kept on display for visitors.

Despite these conservation efforts, spotting a female Rajah Brooke's at its host plant, Aristolochia foveolata, the primary food source for its larvae,remains a rare and cherished experience.

“They usually only visit the garden to lay eggs, and their appearances, though brief, are deeply cherished,” Justinah added.

Sabah’s butterfly conservation efforts owe much to the contributions of three Japanese volunteers who brought their entomological expertise to the Butterfly Garden.

From 1989 to 1993, Keiko Sugimoto played a pivotal role in establishing the garden, introducing caterpillar-rearing techniques, and identifying essential host plants.

Tsuyoshi Ohkuma (1993–1996) curated a collection of insect specimens for exhibition, while the late Prof Kazuhisa Ohtsuka (1998–1999) imparted his knowledge on preserving butterflies and other insects.

“Since then, we have continued their legacy, applying the valuable knowledge they passed down to us,” said Justinah.

-- BERNAMA