San Luis Potosí has become an unexpected temporary refuge for two types of butterflies that have invaded the city, painting the streets and gardens with a touch of color and nature. The people of San Luis Potosí will have already noticed the presence of two species: one of a vibrant yellow and another that, with its peculiar appearance, resembles a mix between the majestic monarch butterfly and a moth. The latter are known as pinocchio butterflies.
Where are they headed?
The latter follows a migration route very similar to that of the famous monarch. They migrate from Canada to Mexico, generally settling in the states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo León and Coahuila. However, this year, climate changes have altered their behavior, pushing them to look for new routes and taking them to unusual places like San Luis Potosí. The excess of rain in June and July seems to have favored this unusual migratory phenomenon.
What do they look like and how can you identify them?
Pinocchio butterflies are distinguished not only by their color and shape, but also by an unusual feature: an elongated proboscis that has earned them their nickname. Often, because of their similarity to moths, some inhabitants confuse them and attack them, fearing that they are harmful. However, these butterflies are harmless and, in fact, turn out to be excellent pollinators, in addition, they play a crucial role in the balance of the local ecosystem.
How we can help and protect them
In some areas of the city, such as Sierra Leone, it has been detected that many of these butterflies have been affected by poisoning due to insecticides. In colonies such as Himno Nacional and its surroundings, where vegetation is more abundant and humid areas are maintained compared to the rest of the city, the presence of these butterflies is particularly noticeable. In these spaces, it is essential that inhabitants avoid using insecticides on their flowering plants, since this type of chemical can be fatal for the Pinocchio butterflies.
The phenomenon reminds us how interconnected we are with nature. We do not know to what extent the conservation of species such as the Pinocchio butterfly can have an impact on our own survival. In the meantime, the call is clear: let us take care of them. By choosing not to spray insecticides on the floral areas of our gardens, we can significantly contribute to the protection of these winged visitors.
Thus, San Luis Potosí becomes, for a time, a living stage of color and movement. This unusual migration not only offers a visual spectacle for the people of Potosí, but also invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature and to take conscious measures to protect these delicate pollinators.
Source: codigosanluis
