Recently, a young doctoral student posted a video on Twitter that seems straight out of a fantasy movie. A group of butterflies with delicate transparent wings can be seen, striped in black and white, waving like ribbons while they fly. This footage is not imaginary, these butterflies do exist.
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A butterfly like no other
Lamproptera meges, nicknamed ‘green dragon tail’ in English, is a diurnal species of butterfly endemic to South and Southeast Asia. There are about ten subspecies in all and the representative specimen of the genus is from Java. Measuring between 1.5 and 2 inches long, L. meges has a tail that can measure itself up to 1.5 inches.
When it flies, it begins to undulate in an almost hypnotic movement, giving its movements a surrealist appearance. It looks like a miniature Chinese kite (it is one of the smallest butterflies in the world), floating in the air with undeniable grace. ‘I thought this video was filmed underwater!’ exclaims a Twitter user referring to the movement.
Although L. meges is not directly threatened, it is considered vulnerable and needs protection in the Malay Peninsula. This lepidoptera has a habit of frequenting sunny spaces and regularly crosses streams. Although science fiction writers are challenging our imaginations with ever more amazing creatures, it seems that nature remains the big winner of this game.
Check out the video above to see this hypnotic scene for yourself!
