Where have all the butterflies gone?

by Ishara Mudugamuwa

Gone are the days when there were dozens and dozens of butterflies making their annual pilgrimage to Siri Pada. It was not for nothing, after all, that this sacred peak was named "Samanala Kanda". But today, even though the season has already begun, these pilgrims are notably absent in the vicinity of flowers, or roads, on their flight paths. Why?

Where have all the butterflies gone?

According to Robert Goodden, author of The Wonderful World of Butterflies and Moths, butterflies are capable of flying long distances on migratory journeys. "In the tropics, Catopsilia species and other Pieridae are seen in very dense flights by which they are able to extend their range and move from areas which are suffering from draught".

Their presence is determined by whether the larval foodplant is there as much as other ecological factors.

Though they are found all over the world and in all types of environments, hot and cold, dry and wet, at sea level and high in the mountains, most butterfly species live in tropical areas, specially in tropical rain forests.

According to Professor Sarath Kotagama, of the Environment Science Department of the University of Colombo, the usage of insecticides and pesticides affect butterflies and is one of the major reasons for their disappearance.

Another cause is the destruction of the natural habitats in which butterflies thrive. It is high time we do everything we can to safeguard these fragile, beautiful, insects with large scaly wings. It will be a sad thing if we had to ask ourselves the question, will they survive the year ahead? May they be seen once more, making their way to Siri Pada.

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