Map
ExploreInsects
Map
Araschnia levana
The Map butterfly is a colorful insect that loves to flutter around gardens and meadows. Its wings have unique patterns that look like a map, making it special and easy to recognize!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Map is a medium-sized butterfly known for its striking seasonal dimorphism. Its spring form is orange and black with white spots, while the summer form is mostly black with a white band, resembling a map pattern. These distinct appearances help it blend into different seasonal foliage.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusAraschnia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Map butterflies only lay eggs on nettle plants, nowhere else in the whole world!
Map butterfly wings look completely different depending on the season they hatch!
Sometimes a Map butterfly can even hatch with half spring colors and half summer colors!
Their caterpillars are super spiky, like tiny porcupines, to scare away hungry birds!
Special abilities
Ability
Seasonal Style Shift
Map can completely change its wing patterns between spring and summer, helping them camouflage perfectly with the changing seasons.
Ability
Spiky Defense
Map caterpillars have sharp, branching spines across their bodies that protect them from predators who try to eat them.
Ability
Rapid Generation Cycle
Map has a fast lifecycle that allows them to produce multiple generations in one year, helping them thrive.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-45 mm
- Size
- 15-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-180 days
- Flight Speed
- 7 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Map butterflies sip flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on specific leaves to grow.
Age differences: Larvae eat nettle leaves; adults drink flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- flower nectar
- stinging nettle leaves
- wild marjoram
- thistles
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
Its caterpillars exclusively feed on its leaves.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Young birds often prey on adult butterflies.
pollinates
Wild Marjoram
Origanum vulgare
Adults sip nectar, transferring pollen between flowers.
pollinates
Creeping Thistle
Cirsium arvense
A favored nectar source for adult Map butterflies.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Map Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Butterflies are safe to watch, but don't try to catch them. They are delicate and need to fly freely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Map's wingspan?
30-45 mm
How big is Map?
15-25 mm
How long does Map live?
10-180 days
How fast can Map fly?
7 km/h
What does Map eat?
Adult Map butterflies sip flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on specific leaves to grow.
Where is Map usually found?
Grasslands
How does Map hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Map have?
6
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