June 7, 2010

An Aosuji-ageha (Graphium sarpedon) butterfly in Jochi-ji temple


A Aosuji-ageha (common bluebottle or Graphium sarpedon) butterfly was busily flying about and sucking nectar from the small vivid flowers of Mushitori-nadeshiko (garden catchfly or Silene armeria).

The Japanese name of this plant means "insect-catching gillyflower." This plant secretes sticky liquid from its stems to attract insects and makes insects to stick to the stems although this plant is not insectivorous.

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