The Idea leuconoe, better known as the paper butterfly, is an exceptionally large butterfly. Its wings have a wingspan of 15 centimeters. Because of its large wing area with few flight muscles, the Idea leuconoe has a slow wing beat. After a few wing beats, this butterfly transitions to a gliding flight through the air. An easy prey for predators you might think. But the paper butterfly doesn't have to fear that. The caterpillar of this butterfly feeds on the Frederick flower, a poisonous plant. Because of this, the butterfly also carries toxic substances with it. So the predators prefer to let this meal fly.
The photo was taken at the Passiflorahoeve.
Photography is my great passion especially birds and macro. Many days I go out into nature. It is wonderful to be outside and to meet other photographers... Read more…