Poland is home to nearly 3,200 species of butterflies, including over 160 species of the vibrant, daytime butterflies most admired for their beauty — as reported by Dr. Jacek Wendzonka from the Faculty of Biology at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
“The transformation of a butterfly — from caterpillar to pupa and finally to a delicate adult — perfectly reflects the idea of self-improvement and metamorphosis. The caterpillar acts as a ‘machine’ focused on gathering energy, the pupa serves as a capsule for remarkable internal changes, and the final result is a stunning, graceful butterfly. This extraordinary process has inspired humanity for centuries, symbolizing evolution and continuous personal growth,” explained Dr. Wendzonka.
Ph: Dr. Jacek Wendzonka, Adam Mickiewicz University
The butterfly has long been a symbol in mythology too. One notable example is Psyche, a beautiful girl with butterfly wings whose determination and hard work became a symbol of rebirth and spiritual transformation.
While daytime butterflies draw the most attention, moths make up the majority of Poland’s butterfly species. “Though the distinction between butterflies and moths isn’t always clear-cut, moths represent a significant portion of our fauna — and some are equally impressive,” Dr. Wendzonka noted.
A standout example is the Death’s-head Hawk Moth (Acherontia atropos) — the largest and heaviest butterfly species in Poland, boasting a wingspan of up to 14 cm. Its caterpillars feed on plants like potatoes, and sightings are often linked to the potato harvest. Despite being a heat-loving species, these moths migrate from Africa to the Arctic Circle — an astonishing feat of resilience.
Ph: Adam Mickiewicz University
However, butterflies aren’t always beneficial. Some species lay dozens or even hundreds of eggs, leading to swarms of hungry caterpillars that can damage plants. This becomes a serious issue with invasive species — newcomers to an ecosystem without natural predators to control their population.
One such invasive species is the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella). It followed horse chestnut trees, originally brought to Poland for their ornamental beauty. The moth’s larvae burrow into leaves, creating tunnels — a process called leaf mining — which weakens the trees and causes premature leaf browning and drop. Fortunately, natural predators have begun appearing in Poland, offering hope for population control.
Interestingly, the chestnut tree itself is considered an invasive species due to its ability to spread and naturalize outside parks and gardens.
For those hoping to attract butterflies to their gardens, flowers alone are not enough. Butterflies also need host plants for their caterpillars — often unassuming weeds like nettles and thistles. “If we want more butterflies in our gardens, creating a diverse plant environment is key,” advised Dr. Wendzonka.
Whether admired for their beauty, studied for their biology, or revered for their symbolism, butterflies remain one of nature’s most captivating wonders — a true embodiment of transformation and resilience.
Source:
