Delias hyparete: The Painted Jezebel, Role in Natural Farming.
Introduction The Painted Jezebel is a medium-sized butterfly belonging to the Pieridae family, which also includes the Cabbage White and the Monarch butterfly. Its evolutionary history is intertwined with the development of its host plants and the ecological niches they occupy. Taxonomy and Evolution Family: Pieridae Genus: Delias Species: hyparete Common name: Painted Jezebel Picture: The presence of Delias hyparete in our farm is often indicative of a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Adaptation Coloration : The butterfly's striking black and white markings serve as a warning to potential predators, indicating its unpalatability. Host plant specialization : Delias hyparete has a specialized diet, primarily feeding on mistletoes (Dendrophthoe pentandra). This adaptation ensures a reliable food source and reduces competition with other herbivores. Flight pattern : The butterfly's strong flight enables it to move quickly between host plants and escape predators. Habitat Tropical fo...