Butterflies lend colour and beauty to Mai Po
Mai Po is well known as a haven for birds but is less well known for its butterflies. Over 53 species of butterflies have been recorded at Mai Po, providing a colourful spectacle during summer.
Birds are not the only visitors to Mai Po. Each year many butterflies pass through during spring and autumn. They play an important role in the pollination of plants.
The most obvious is the Blue Spotted Crow butterfly which usually arrives in November.
It can often be seen flying against fences - unable to get through and apparently unwilling to fly over.
At such times hundreds of butterflies can be seen, and in some years, many will die when there is a sudden cold spell.
Mai Po has many plants that provide a lot of nectar. For instance, the Lebbeck tree is a food plant for the Common Grass Yellow, one of the butterflies commonly found in Hong Kong.
To increase Mai Po's conservation and educational value, several specimens of the rare India Birthworth woody climbers have been planted.
These will attract some protected species of butterflies to Mai Po. When you visit Mai Po next time spend some time to look out for butterflies.
