#madeirabrimstone

[amnhnyc]

🦋Where does the Madeira brimstone (Gonepteryx maderensis) get its common name? Its fiery yellow hues match those of the element sulfur, once known as brimstone! ⛰️This butterfly lives in the steep mountains of the Madeira islands, where it spends much of its time high in the canopy of evergreen laurel forests, called laurisilva. Unfortunately, it’s endangered due in part to urban development that has led to habitat loss. The life cycle of Madeira brimstones naturally limits their population growth: adults can live for several months—a long time for a butterfly—and there is likely only one new generation each year. What’s more? Their caterpillars feed on just one type of tree. But there may be a bit of protection: Madeira has a vast nature preserve, and remaining laurisilva areas are now officially protected in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 📸The Museum's upcoming special exhibition Extinct and Endangered: Insects in Peril, opens on June 22 and will feature uniquely powerful macrophotography by Levon Biss (@levonbiss) highlighting 40 incredible but imperiled species from specimens in the Museum's world-class research collection, including the Madeira brimstone, in large-format photographs, some as large as 4.5 by 8 feet. Link in bio for more details! Photo: © Levon Biss #AnimalFacts #EndangeredSpecies #insects #bugs #butterflies #Madeira #MadeiraBrimstone #museums #amnh #dyk (at American Museum of Natural History) https://www.instagram.com/p/CelhKWVroyZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=