"Endangered Butterfly Spotted in Urban Experiential Rice Paddy"

Korean Hairstreak Butterfly Spotted in Dongtan Culture Center's Experiential Rice Paddy
"Rice Paddy Walk Program" to Be Offered Next Month for Local Daycare Children

Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province has reported the appearance of a butterfly classified as an endangered species in an experiential rice paddy set up within an urban park.

On August 14, Hwaseong City announced that the endangered Korean Hairstreak butterfly was spotted flying in to seek out the Aristolochia contorta plant in the experiential rice paddy located at the outdoor performance hall of the Dongtan Complex Culture Center.

The endangered species, the Korean Hairstreak butterfly. It was discovered in the experiential rice paddy created by Hwaseong City at the outdoor performance hall of Dongtan Complex Culture Center, drawing attention. Provided by Hwaseong City

Aristolochia contorta is a primary food plant for the larvae of the Korean Hairstreak butterfly. The city planted this species in the ecological education area adjacent to the experiential rice paddy, which was created as part of the "Rice Paddy Walk Program" that allows children to experience the growth process of rice firsthand.

The city stated, "This case is a meaningful example that demonstrates the vitality of the natural ecosystem even in urban areas," and added, "With the Korean Hairstreak butterfly visiting the Aristolochia contorta plants around the rice paddy, we have confirmed the cycle of nature taking place in the heart of the city."

Next month, the city will operate the "Rice Paddy Walk Program" for approximately 400 children from 14 local daycare centers, allowing them to directly experience the rice paddy ecosystem and foster environmental and ecological sensitivity. Participating children will have opportunities to explore rice paddy organisms, observe plants, and engage in ecological conservation activities, thereby learning about the value of biodiversity and ecosystem preservation.

Kim Jungwoo, head of Hwaseong City's Agricultural and Food Distribution Division, said, "We will continue to expand dietary education programs so that children can learn the importance of the natural ecosystem and grow into leaders of a sustainable future society."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.