A rare butterfly found in the Chernobyl Radiation Biosphere Reserve – Catocala fraxini, the night moth

Rare butterfly found in the Chernobyl Radiation Biosphere Reserve – Catocala fraxini (© Photo: CHERNOBYL RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE / STANISLAV GUMENYUK)

uux.cn According to the Russian Satellite Network: a rare butterfly has been found in the Chernobyl Radiation Biosphere Reserve, and its size can be compared to that of a bird. Representatives of the reserve reported it on their Facebook account.

Catocala fraxini, the nocturnal moth, flew to the scientists on its own. Experts say it is one of the largest butterfly species living in Ukraine and Europe, with a wingspan of up to 110 millimeters.

This butterfly is active at night and likes to fly towards the light. The science department of the reserve notes that as soon as the rain stops, the butterflies roost on their favorite poplar trees.