Butterfly ‧ All the Variations

Hong Kong, located in subtropical region, is home to a great diversity of habitats such as forests, shrublands, mountain ridges and rivers. The generally warm climate and abundant rainfall nurture the over 260 species of butterflies in Hong Kong, which accounts for one-tenth of the total species in China. Hong Kong can be named The Butterfly Paradise if we base on the ratio of species to overall land area. Some species display polymorphism with two or more forms, including sexual and seasonal variations.

Sexual dimorphism
Different sexes of the same species have different colours or patterns.

Male Indian Fritillary (Argyreus hyperbius)

Female Indian Fritillary (Argyreus hyperbius)

Male Colour Sergeant (Athyma nefte)

Female Colour Sergeant (Athyma nefte)

Male Common Archduke (Lexias pardalis)

Female Common Archduke (Lexias pardalis)

Seasonal polyphenism
Different appearance of the same species in different seasons.

Dry season form of Dark Brand Bush Brown (Mycalesis mineus)

Wet season form of Dark Brand Bush Brown (Mycalesis mineus)

Dry season form of White-banded Flat (Gerosis phisara)

Wet season form of White-banded Flat (Gerosis phisara)

Individual variations
Even the same species of the same sex and in the same season, individuals show up variation in appearance.

Common Mormon (Papilio polytes)

Form Polytes of Common Mormon (Papilio polytes)

Form Pomona of Lemon Emigrant (Catopsilia pomona)

Form Catilla of Lemon Emigrant (Catopsilia pomona)

Form Agenor of Great Mormon (Papilio memnon)

Form Achates of Great Mormon (Papilio memnon)