BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Beyond their beauty and symbolism, butterflies play a vital role in nature, serving as indicators of a healthy ecosystem, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Butterflies undergo a unique transformation process known as metamorphosis, beginning as eggs, then caterpillars, pupae, and finally emerging as full-grown butterflies.
Scientists have studied them since the 1600s due to their ecological significance and complex life cycle.
Experts highlight butterflies’ key role in pollination, helping transfer pollen between flowers and sustaining plant life.
The Philippines, being a tropical country, is home to various species such as the Lime Butterfly, Common Mormon, and the Philippine Birdwing (Troides rhadamantus).
According to environmental studies, the presence of butterflies in an area often indicates an abundance of plants and a well-balanced natural habitat.
“More butterflies mean more flowers and greenery, which signify a thriving environment,” DENR researchers noted.
Groups like the Butterfly Conservation Society of the Philippines are conducting research and conservation efforts to protect butterflies’ natural habitats, especially amid the growing threats of habitat loss and environmental degradation.
