The Gifu butterfly, also known as the "goddess of spring" because it emerges during the cherry blossom season, has begun to emerge at the home of butterfly enthusiast Yojiro Daichi (84 years old) in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture. It can be seen surviving the cold of winter and taking flight gracefully.
The Gifu butterfly is endemic to Japan and is designated an endangered species by the Ministry of the Environment. It is characterized by the black and yellow striped pattern of its wings, which are 6 to 7 centimeters wide when spread. It spends about 10 months in the pupa stage and dies after 10 to 14 days as an adult.
Looking at a female that had just emerged, Daichi said, "When it starts to emerge, you really feel the arrival of spring. I want people to see the adult insects and feel the preciousness of life."
Approximately 150 butterflies are expected to emerge by early April.
