BUTTERFLY AND MOTH - THE DIFFERENT

 

BUTTERFLIES and MOTHS have many things in common that many local are not sure which was the real one. As I study during my Entomology subject in university long time ago, both of this insects are mainly scales that cover their bodies and wings. These scales are actually modified hairs. Butterflies and moths belong to the order of Lepidoptera (from the Greek language that the meaning of words lepis are similar to 'scale' and 'pteron' meaning wing). During my lecture to many technical training course in many institutions, the different of both butterfly and moths are interesting subject to be discussed. Some say that there are the 'similar' words for two different insects and otherwise. However, below are some information I wrote in "Anim Agro Technology" about the differences between butterflies and moths base on few books and other sources. 

a) The Wings
Butterflies tend to fold their wings vertically up over their backs. Moths tend to hold their wings in a tent-like fashion that hides the abdomen. Butterflies are typically larger and have more colorful patterns on their wings. Moths are typically smaller with drab-colored wings.

b) AnatomyMoths have a frenulum, which is a wing-coupling device. Butterflies do not have frenulums. Frenulums join the forewing to the hind wing, so the wings can work in unison during flight.

c) BehaviorButterflies are primariy diurnal, flying in the daytime. Moths are generally nocturnal, flying at night. However, there are moths that are diurnal, such as the buck moth and there are butterflies that are crepuscular, that is, flying at dawn and dusk.

d) Cocoon or Chrysalis
Cocoons and chrysalides are protective coverings for the pupa. The pupa is the intermediate stage between the larva and adult. A moth makes a cocoon, which is wrapped in a silk covering. A butterfly makes a chrysalis, which is hard, smooth and has no silk covering.


As scientists discover and study new species of butterflies and moths, distinctions between the two is becoming blurred. Some moths may fool you into thinking that they are butterflies such as the Urania leilus, a colorful day flying moth from Peru. The Castnioidea moths, found in the neotropics, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia exhibit many of the characteristics of butterflies such as brightly colored wings, clubbed antenna and day flying. More fascinating facts about butterflies and moths. There are many more species of moths than butterflies. Butterflies and skippers (hooked-shaped antennae) make up 6 to 11 percent of Lepidoptera order, while moths make up 89-94 percent of the Lepidoptera order. It is not true that if you touch a butterfly’s wing and the ‘powder’ rubs off that the butterfly will not be able to fly. The powder is actually tiny scales and a butterfly sheds these ‘scales’ throughout its lifetime. Butterflies and moths are holometabolous meaning that they undergo a complete metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar and from chrysalis to adult.

The largest known butterflies in the world are the birdwings. The Queen Alexandra Birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae) from the rain forests of Papua New Guinea has a wingspan of 11 inches. It is the most rare of all butterflies. The Goliath birdwing (Ornithoptera goliath), also from the rain forests of Papua New Guinea, is also one of the largest butterflies with an average wingspan of 11 inches. The smallest known butterflies are the blues (Lycaenidae), which are found in North American and Africa. They have wingspans from 1/4 - 1/2 inches. Western Pygmy Blue is the smallest. The most common butterfly is the Cabbage White found in Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, and Hawaii. The largest known moths are the Atlas moths (Saturniidae) with wingspans as large as 12 inches. The smallest known moths are from the pygmy moth family (Nepticulidae) with wingspans as small as 3/32 of an inch. This article I hope able to provide some basic information about the butterflies and moths as it was among well known insect in Malaysia. There are many butterfly parks constructed in Malaysia located at Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang and many other cities for local visitors. 

 

By,

M Anem

Senior Agronomist

Jalan Istana, Bandar Melaka,

Melaka, Malaysia.

(6 Syaaban 1434H)

Monoecious and Dioecious Plants

What do you understand about Monoecious and Dioecious Plants?. This is a basic plants reproduction system in most plants for us to study in plants morphology. The Plant reproductive morphology is concerned with the physical form and structure (themorphology) of those parts of plants directly or indirectly concerned with sexual reproduction. Among all living organisms, flowers, which are the reproductive structures of angiosperms, are the most varied physically and show a correspondingly great diversity in methods of reproduction. Plants that are not flowering plants (green algae, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, ferns and gymnosperms such as conifers) also have complex interplays between morphological adaptation and environmental factors in their sexual reproduction. The breeding system, or how the sperm from one plant fertilizes the ovum of another, depends on the reproductive morphology, and is the single most important determinant of the genetic structure of non clonal plant populations. The reproduction of flowering plants and for the first time it was understood that the pollination process involved both biotic and abiotic interactions. Charles Darwin's theories of natural selection utilized this work to build his theory of evolution, which includes analysis of the coevolution of flowers and their insect pollinators. This article I like to share my knowledge in "Anim Agriculture Technology" about Monoecious and Dioecious plants.

Most plant have bisexual flowers with functional male and female flowers. Some are self sterile, requiring pollination from another plant to produce seed. Dioecious Plants have male (staminate) flowers on one plant, and female (pistillate) flowers on another plant. Some of these plants are polygamo-dioecious, with some male flowers on female plants and some female flowers on male plants. Ilex or Hollies are Dioecious, and a male plant should be planted
with several female plants for good fruit production. From various sources, I notice some of the dioecious plantas are such as Acer (some species, like Acer negundo - Box Elder), Actinidia (Kiwi Fruit Vine), Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven), Aucuba (Non Hardy Dogwood Family plant),  Araucaria (Indoor Norfolk Island Pine), Broussonetia (Paper Mulberry), Celastrus (Bittersweet Vine), Cephalotaxus (Plum Yew), Cercidiphyllum (Kadsura Tree), Chionanthus (Fringe Tree), Cotinus (Smoke Tree), Comptonia (in Bayberry Family), Diospyros (Persimmon), Eucommia (Hardy Rubber Tree), Fraxinus (Ash Trees) and Ginkgo.

Other Dioecious Plants recorded such as Gleditsia (Honey Locust or Polygamo-dioecious), Hippophae (Sea Buckthorn), Ilex (Holly), Juniperus (Juniper), Lindera (Spicebush or  Dioecious to polygamo-dioecious), Maclura (Osage Orange), Morus (Mulberry), Myrica (Bayberry), Nemopanthus (Mountain Holly, Phellodendron (Amur Cork Tree), Podocarpus, Populus (Poplar or Aspen), Salix (Willow), Shepherdia (Buffalo Berry), Taxus (Yew), Torreya (Nutmeg Yew) and also Zanthoxylum (Prickly Ash).

Monoecious Plants have separate male and female flowers on the same plant.  Quercus or Oaks are Monoecious plants. Many plants are Monoecious, but a much smaller number  of plants are Dioecious. From many sources I found that below are some monoecious plants. There are such as Abies (Fir), Alnus (Alder), Betula (Birch), Carpinus (Hornbeam and Ironwood), Castanea (Chestnut), Carya (Hickory), Cedrus (Cedar), Chamaecyparis(False Cypress), Corylus (Hazelnut), Cryptomeria, Cunninghamia, Cupressus (Cypress), Fagus (Beech), Ficus (Fig) and last in the lists are Juglans (Walnut). Other are Keteleeria, Larix (Larch), Ostrya (Hop Hornbeam), Picea (Spruce), Pinus (Pine), Platanus (Sycamore or Plane Tree), Pseudolarix (Golden Larch), Pseudotsuga (Douglas Fir), Quercus (Oak), Sciadopitys (Umbrella Pine), Sequoia (Coastal Redwood), also the Sequoiadendrom (Giant Redwood), Taxodium (Bald Cypress) and Thuja (Arborvitae). Those plants are found all all over countries where some plants are domesticated for human consumptions.

By,
M Anem
Senior Agronomists
Jalan Istana,
Bandar Melaka, Melaka,
Malaysia
(5 Syaaban 1434H)



 

BUTTERFLY - BASIC KNOWLEDGE

A BUTTERFLY according to a simple definition is a mainly day-flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, which includes the butterflies and moths. I would like to share my knowledge about butterfly after having  a visit to a private Butterfly Farm located at Air Keroh, Melaka, Malaysia recently. We called Butterfly in Bahasa Malaysia as 'Rama-rama' and Moths as 'Kupu-kupu'. Like other holometabolous insects, the butterfly's life cycle consists of four parts: Egg, Larva, Pupa and Adult. Most of butterfly species are diurnal. Butterflies normally have large and often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. From many books says that the Butterflies comprise the true butterflies (superfamily Papilionoidea), the skippers (superfamily Hesperioidea) and the moth-butterflies (superfamily Hedyloidea). All the many other families within the Lepidoptera are referred to as moths.  Let us study the life cycle of butterfly in "Anim Agriculture Technology" as a basic knowledge for all readers.

As we in tropical country stay, butterflies are able to exhibit polymorphism, mimicry and aposematism. Some species of the butterfly like Papilio butterfly are able to fly over long distances (Next photo). Some butterflies have evolved symbiotic and parasitic relationships with social insects such as ants. Some species are pests because in their larval stages they can damage domestic crops or trees; however, some species are agents of pollination of some plants, and caterpillars of a few butterflies eat harmful insects. Culturally, butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts.

The life cycle of butterfly started with the egg that normally is a tiny, round, oval, or cylindrical object, usually with fine ribs and other microscopic structures. The female attaches the egg to leaves, stems, or other objects, usually on or near the intended caterpillar food. The caterpillar (or larva) is the long, worm-like stage of the butterfly or moth. It often has an interesting pattern of stripes or patches, and it may have spine-like hairs. It is the feeding and growth stage. As it grows, it sheds its skin four or more times so as to enclose its rapidly growing body.
The chrysalis (or pupa) is the transformation stage within which the caterpillar tissues are broken down and the adult insect's structures are formed. The chrysalis of most species is brown or green and blends into the background depending on the species. Many species overwinter in this stage but in Malaysia it found all year rounds.

The adult (or imago) is colourful butterfly or moth usually seen. It is the reproductive and mobile stage for the species. The adults undergo courtship, mating, and egg-laying. The adult butterfly or moth is also the stage that migrates or colonizes new habitats. The butterfly are able to live between one week to a year depending on species. In Malaysia there are hundreds of butterfly species and moths flying all year round. Some species such as Papilio are considered as large species and collected for conservation. That's all folk for this entry. Thanks.

By,
M Anem
Senior Agronomist
Air Keroh Butterfly Park,
Air Keroh, Melaka,
Malaysia
(3 Syaaban 1344H)






















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































, which is fairly large in size.

Honeybee Castes

HONEY BEES (LEBAH MADU in Malay) are a subset of insect as Bees in the genus Apis, primarily distinguished by the production and storage of sweet honey and the construction of colonial nests out of natrual bee waxs. Honey bees are the only extant members of the tribe Apini where all in the genus Apis. From my observation as a extension agent in bee activity for many years, there are known only seven recognised honey bees species with a total of 44 subspecies. However from six to eleven species have been recognised. Honey bees represent only a small fraction of the the whole with approximately 20,000 known species of bees. Some other types of related bees produce and store honey, but only members of the genus Apis are true honey bees.


 Queen BeeThere is only one queen per hive. The queen is the only bee with fully developed ovaries. A queen bee can live for 3-5 years. The queen mates only once with several male (drone) bees, and will remain fertile for life. She lays up to 2000 eggs per day. Fertilized eggs become female (worker bees) and unfertilized eggs become male (drone bees). When she dies or becomes unproductive, the other bees will "make" a new queen by selecting a young larva and feeding it a diet of "royal jelly". For queen bees, it takes 16 days from egg to emergence.


Worker BeeAll worker bees are female, but they are not able to reproduce. Worker bees live for 4-9 months during the winter season, but only 6 weeks during the busy summer months (they literally work themselves to death). Nearly all of the bees in a hive are worker bees. A hive consists of 20,000 - 30,000 bees in the winter, and over 60,000 - 80,000 bees in the summer. The worker bees sequentially take on a series of specific chores during their lifetime: housekeeper; nursemaid; construction worker; grocer; undertaker; guard; and finally, after 21 days they become a forager collecting pollen and nectar. For worker bees, it takes 21 days from egg to emergence. The worker bee has a barbed stinger that results in her death following stinging, therefor, she can only sting once.

Drone BeeThese male bees are kept on standby during the summer for mating with a virgin queen. Because the drone has a barbed sex organ, mating is followed by death of the drone. There are only 300-3000 drone in a hive. The drone does not have a stinger. Because they are of no use in the winter, drones are expelled from the hive in the autumn.

Honeybee RacesCharacteristics of the most common races of honeybees are detailed on Races. Below are some info based on study by local researcher. Lebah Keran or Apis cerana probably the most common race of honeybees in Malaysia. Colonies are usually large during long dry season. This race are medium good honey production and usually gentle and non-aggressive.The swarming instinct is not especially strong and produce minimum propolis. The colony are able to keep a clean hive and are quick to get rid of the wax moth. The queens lay all year rounds with a large number of eggs. This race are yellow coloring with bands on the abdomen.

By,
M Anem
Senior Agronomist
Putrajaya
Malaysia
(30 JamadilAkhir 1434H)

 

AALMONDS NUTRITIONS FACT

Do you know how beneficial almonds are for your health?

Almonds are favorate nuts to many people. Most mornings we add 7 to 10 almonds to my breakfast. Almonds are tasty and nutritious as most people will agree.

9 Health Benefits of Almonds:

1. They reduce heart attack risk.
Those who consume nuts five times a week have about a 50 percent reduction in risk of heart attack according to the Loma Linda School of Public Health.

2. They lower ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Almonds added to the diet have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels, according to a clinical study by Dr. Gene Spiller, Director of the Health Research and Studies Center, Inc.


3. They protects artery walls from damage.
It was found that the flavonoids in almond skins work in synergy with the vitamin E, thus reducing the risk of heart disease (Research at Tufts University).

4. Almonds help build strong bones and teeth.
The phosphorus in almonds helps make this possible.

5. They provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss:
Although nuts are high in fat, frequent nut eaters are thinner on average than those who almost never consume nuts. (Data from the Nurses’ Health Study)
Those who ate nuts at least two times per week were 31 percent less likely to gain weight than were those who never or seldom ate them in a study involving 8865 adults. (WHFood’s article on almonds)

6. Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals.


7. They help provide good brain function.
Almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, nutrients that boost brain activity and may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.


8. They nourish the nervous system.
According to Ayurveda, almonds help increase high intellectual level and longevity.

9. They alkalize the body.
Almonds are the only nut and one of the few proteins that are alkaline forming. When your body is not alkaline enough, you risk osteoporosis, poor immune function, low energy and weight gain.

Did you know?
Almonds are actually stone fruits related to cherries, plums and peaches.
2.51 million tons of almonds were produced in 2010 according to FAO.
United States is the largest producer of almonds. Unfortunately, it also demands that almonds are pasteurized or irradiated.

By,
M Anem
Putrajaya
Malaysia
(26 April 2013).

ROSE APPLE

ROSE APPLE (Syzygium jambos) is it a type of berry, a pear or an apple? As I told my friends from Europe, this remarkable fruit is not what it name intends, an apple but in Malaysia are known as JAMBU AIR. It was grown and native to Malaysia since I was plucking the fruits surrounding my house in Muar, Johor for many years. Apparently my friend said that rose apple looks more like a pear and it taste like a watermelon. Actually this rose apple are juicy , red in color and attractive for dish decoration. Now I wonder why many people call it rose apple? Where the does name came from and what exactly is a rose apple? Let’s find out in "Anim Agro Technology" about the not very popular fruits in Malaysia called as Rose Apple for our knowledge.
 

 

I presume it was called 'Rose Apple' because of the crispy fruits smell and taste like rose water. I really like to eat this fruits of fully ripe with sweet taste. The scientific name for rose apple actually is Syzygium jambos. While its English name varies not only is it called rose apple it is also refer to as the Malabar plum Plum, Rose Malay Apple Wax Apple and also as Water Apple. My corlicks from Dutch didi mention about this fruit known as Rozenappel ahile in Spanish as Pomarrosa. The French also given a various name to this fruit such as  Jamrosat, Jambrosade, Jam-rose and Pomme rose. In other literatura, I found out that the German called this fruit as Rosenapfel and Malabarpflaume. Even this fruit originate from the South East Asia and its part of the Myrtaceae (myrtle family) but the distribution able to reach South America and Australia nowadays.

ALL ABOUT ROSE APPLE:

The Leaves: 

The leathery leaves grow opposite each other on short, thick stems that clasp the twig. They are oblong in shape, narrower at the stem end. They are 2 to 10 inches long, 1 to 6 inches wide. They are pink when young and become dull, light-green above and yellowish-green beneath when mature

 

The Flowers: 

A showy terminal inflorescence, usually with four whitish-green flowers on the outside of the crown. The flowers have a faint fragrance and grow in loose clusters of 3 to 7 at the end of branches. The petals are pale yellow, yellow-white or pink and the stamens are uni-colored. In Indonesia the tree blooms twice a year, in July and again in September. The fruits ripen in August and November.

 

Fruits: 

Fruits are about 5 cm long with a whitish-green colour, but colour variations exist including red skinned fruits. The skin is thin and waxy. The rose apple or jambu fruit has a shiny, thin skin which varies from white to light red. About 1 inch long and 1-1.5 inches wide, they are shaped somewhat like a pear with a narrow neck and a wide apex. The fruit curves in and forms a concave indentation from which stiff sepals and the style protrude. The flesh is white or pink, slightly fragrant, crisp and juicy with a faint sweet flavor. The fruit has about 1-3 seeds which, together with the roots, are considered poisonous. Red and white jambu are found in Indonesia. The red jambus are the smallest fruit, sweet and juicy, with the white ones being very acidic. In Malaysia there is a wide variety of color, ranging from palest green, delicate blush pink to deep crimson and a sort of brownish red. Green jambu are very crunchy but not as juicy.

 

Height:

Grow as a shrub or as a medium-sized tree. 7 to 12 meter. Jambu is a small tree or large shrub which grows on the average of 10 to 20 feet in height. Branches grow close to the ground from a short, crooked trunk. The crown is open and non-symmetrical. It likes plenty of rain evenly spaced throughout the year

 

Climate and weather: Requires a tropical or near tropical climate. Growth at altitudes up to 900 meter. Type of soil: Prefers deep loamy soil. But can tolerate sand or limestone with very little organic matter. Planting Distance: Spacing (close range) 8 meter and Spacing (wide range) 12 meter. Insect pests: Few insect problems. Aphids. Diseases: Sometimes there is visible mould growing on honeydew excreted by aphids. Leaf spot. Anthracnose. Fusarium root rot.

Harvesting: 

Pick by hand from the tree. The young fruit and ripe fruit are almost uniform in  
a bunch. Fruits should be eaten or used soon after picking because they spoil soon. Fruits ripen over an extended period of time in proper cold storage. The price of rose apple in fresh market ranged between RM 4.00 - RM 8.00 per kilogram depending on the freshness, sizes, variety and the location of the shops. 

Uses:

Eat the fruits fresh (the skin can be eaten too). Fruits are crisp with the taste (and smell) of rose-water. Fruits are hollow, the core contains a small amount of inedible fluff. I like too eat fresh rose apple during peak season and it fresh from farm. The fruit also processed to make a 'Halwa' and 'Rojak' as dessert. Sayonara! Thanks....

 

Rose Apple arranged for sale.

By,

M Anem

Senior Agronomist

Serdang Agriculture Station

Selangor, Malaysia.

(9 JamadilAkhir 1434H)

GREEN PEPPER - NUTRITIONAL FACTS

GREEN PAPPER (Capsicum annum) is a highly nutritious vegetable consumed by many people in Malaysia. Most green pepper or locally known as 'Cili Bengala' are grown in Cameroon Highland and Kundasang (Highland vegetable growing area). This bell shaped vegetable with a green, glossy exterior and sometimes turn to yellow or reds (different maturity stage) adds a dash of color to any dish. The ex-farm price from my survey at Cameroon Highland recently ranged between RM 2.50 - RM 6.00 per kilogram depends on the fruit quality, climate and marketing demand. It is also referred to as a bell pepper throughout the world. It has a tangy taste that enhances food flavor. The inside has a small, white foam-like core with tiny seeds attached to it. This pepper isn’t “hot” due compare to the Cili Besar or Cili Padi due to the absence of capsaicin which gives pepper the characteristic “hot” taste. Orange, yellow and red variants also exist depend on the variety and harvesting period. The pepper is packed with nutrients. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. This article I would like to share my knowledge in "Anim Agro Technology" about the nutritional fact of green chili or also callaed 'Cili Benggala' or 'sweet Chili'.  

From my observation, One cup of chopped green pepper weighed about 150 grams approximately has 30 calories. The vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked briefly. It makes a wonderful addition to most salads. It can also boost your health in various ways.It provides the following nutrients (Based on IMR Reports, KL). They explained the detail nutritional facs of green pepper as follows:-

Protein – 3 grams
Dietary fiber – 10 grams
Vitamin A – 11 percent of recommended daily value
Vitamin B1 – 7 percent of recommended daily value
Vitamin B6 – 20 percent of recommended daily value
Vitamin B9 – 5 percent of recommended daily value
Vitamin C – 200 percent of recommended daily value
Vitamin K – 14 percent of recommended daily value
Iron – 0.5 micrograms
Magnesium – 14.9 micrograms
Phosphorous – 30 micrograms
Potassium – 260 micrograms
Calcium – 14.9 micrograms

 

One of the nutritional facts in Green Pepper is the Antioxidant Properties. It includes the various vitamins and phytochemicals found in green peppers have antioxidant properties. The peppers contain vitamin A in the form of carotenoids as well as vitamins B6, B9 and C, all of which are powerful antioxidants. These vitamins play a vital role in neutralizing free radicals in the body which have the capacity to cause serious damage to cells during their roaming activities. Free radicals also contribute to the build-up of cholesterol in blood vessels which increases the likelihood of stroke and heart disease. Besides their antioxidant properties, phytonutrients in green peppers play an anti-inflammatory role. This gives relief from pain and inflammatory conditions. It makes bell peppers a useful dietary item if you have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Phytonutrients also help to relax the airways and reduce wheezing in asthma cases.

 

The scientific study has claim that the green pepper has an medication value for Cardiovascular Health. Since green peppers are a rich source of vitamin C. They contain double the vitamin C content of oranges. Green peppers are also rich in flavonoids and also the chemical of phytochemicals. These reduce the formation of blood clots, thereby lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack. The pepper is also a good source of vitamins B6 and B9 which reduce levels of homocysteine, a toxic by-product of biochemical processes in the body. High levels of homocysteine can damage blood vessels which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. Vitamins B6 and B9 convert homocysteine into beneficial molecules which provides more safety for blood vessels. 

 

Other claims that the green peper also used in improving the Colon Health. If you want to promote the health of your colon, fiber is a vital element in the diet. Luckily, green peppers are loaded with fiber. Fiber reduces the degree of exposure of colon cells tobacteria and toxins. This is because it speeds up the transit time of waste matter through the gut. Research has shown that vitamins A, C and B9 significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer. Green peppers are an excellent source of these vitamins. Fresh green pepper are easily purchased at wet market or hypermarket all year round in Malaysia. There are sold in Weekly market (Pasar Minggu) and Pasar Tani with reasonable price. 

 

GREEN PEPPER...SWEET PEPPER...

VARIOUS COLOR... FRESH IN MARKET...

REASONABLE PRICE...SOLD EVERYWHERE...

CAMEROON HIGHLAND... GROWN LOCALLY...

 

By,

M Anem

Room 212, Travel Lodge Hotel,

Cameroon Highland,

Pahang, Malaysia.

(2 JamadilAkhir 1434H)