Reading: Observable Study of Butterflies – Basic 6 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

A Week of Butterfly Observation

Day 1 – Monday, March 18th Today I began my scientific observation of butterflies in our school garden. I set up my observation post near the hibiscus flowers at 8:00 AM. Within the first hour, I recorded three different species visiting the red and yellow flowers.

The most common visitor was the Orange Tiger butterfly (scientific name: Danaus chrysippus). I observed five individuals during my 30-minute session. These butterflies moved gracefully from flower to flower, spending approximately 15-20 seconds on each bloom. They appeared to prefer the red hibiscus flowers over the yellow ones.

Day 3 – Wednesday, March 20th Weather conditions: Sunny, temperature approximately 28°C, light breeze. I noticed that butterfly activity increased significantly compared to Monday. The Blue Pansy butterfly (Junonia orithya) made its first appearance. This species has distinctive blue eyespots on its wings and moves more quickly than the Orange Tiger.

Behavioral observations: The Blue Pansy butterflies were more territorial. I witnessed two males chasing each other away from the same flower cluster. They performed a spiraling flight pattern that lasted about 45 seconds before one retreated.

Day 5 – Friday, March 22nd Today I focused on feeding behavior and timing patterns. Most butterfly activity occurred between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM when the morning dew had evaporated but before the afternoon heat became intense.

Feeding Process Observed:

1. Butterfly approaches flower slowly
2. Hovers briefly (2-3 seconds) before landing
3. Extends proboscis (feeding tube) into flower center
4. Feeds for 15-30 seconds
5. Withdraws proboscis and flies to next flower

Day 7 – Sunday, March 24th Final observation day revealed interesting weather-related patterns. Morning rainfall delayed butterfly activity until 10:30 AM. However, when they emerged, their behavior was more energetic, possibly due to increased nectar production in rain-washed flowers.

Conclusion: Over seven days, I recorded six different butterfly species, with Orange Tiger being most abundant (observed 23 times) and Blue Pansy showing the most complex social behaviors. Weather clearly influences both timing and intensity of butterfly activity.

Exercise I – Reading Comprehension

Answer these questions:

1. What location did the observer choose for the study?
2. Which butterfly species was most commonly seen?
3. What time of day showed the highest butterfly activity?
4. How long do butterflies typically spend feeding on each flower?
5. What weather factor affected butterfly behavior?
6. How many different species were recorded during the week?

Exercise J – Scientific Vocabulary

Match these scientific terms with their meanings:

1. species a. tube butterflies use for feeding
2. proboscis b. different types of animals
3. territorial c. defending an area from others
4. abundant d. existing in large numbers
5. nectar e. sweet liquid in flowers

Exercise K – Observation Details

Find examples from the passage of:

1. Specific time recording: _________________________________
2. Measurement data: _________________________________
3. Behavioral description: _________________________________
4. Weather information: _________________________________

Scientific names: _________________________________