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Japan's National Butterfly, the Great Purple Emperor, Emerges Again This Year in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture

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In Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture, the national butterfly, the Great Purple Emperor, is emerging at Meihō Elementary School. Through cooperation with a citizen group, breeding and educational activities are being conducted, allowing children to learn about the butterfly's ecology and experience its beauty as part of their lessons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Great Purple Emperor designated as Japan's national butterfly?
A: The Great Purple Emperor is the largest butterfly in Japan, and due to its beauty and presence, it was chosen as the national butterfly by the Entomological Society of Japan in 1956.
Q: Are there any difficulties in breeding the Great Purple Emperor?
A: Securing hackberry trees as food for the larvae and managing temperature and humidity until adulthood are crucial. As it is a near-threatened species, conservation considerations are also necessary.
Q: What is the significance of this activity for Kawanishi City?
A: By protecting and passing on the Great Purple Emperor, a local natural heritage, and promoting environmental education for the next generation, it contributes to fostering local attachment and raising environmental awareness.
Q: Are similar activities conducted in other schools?
A: Activities to learn about biodiversity and environmental conservation through collaboration between schools and local groups are carried out nationwide. This case in Kawanishi City is also noteworthy as one such example.
Q: When is the best time to observe the Great Purple Emperor?
A: Adults are mainly seen from June to July. During this period, you can observe their emergence in the school's breeding cage.