The location you mentioned, Malappuram district in Kerala, is known for its biodiversity. To provide you with accurate and relevant information about this particular type of mosquito, I need to perform a search.
Based on the image and your location in Malappuram, Kerala, the insect is not a butterfly but a mosquito. The black and white markings on its body and legs are a key identifier of a species known as the Asian tiger mosquito, or its scientific name, Aedes albopictus.
Here is some full information about this mosquito:
General Information
Appearance: The Asian tiger mosquito is small, black, and has striking white stripes on its legs and a single, prominent white stripe running down the center of its back and head.
Habits: Unlike many other mosquito species that bite at dusk and dawn, the Asian tiger mosquito is an aggressive daytime biter. It is known for its persistent biting behavior.
Breeding: This mosquito is a "container breeder." It lays its eggs just above the water line in small, stagnant water sources. These include natural habitats like tree holes and leaf axils, as well as man-made containers like discarded tires, plastic containers, flower pots, and even coconut shells. This makes it particularly well-adapted to living in close proximity to humans.
Connection to Kerala and Malappuram
Prevalence: Both Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti (another black and white striped mosquito) are prevalent in Kerala and are responsible for transmitting several diseases. Studies have been conducted in various districts of Kerala, including Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Palakkad, which are geographically close to Malappuram, confirming the presence and breeding habits of Aedes albopictus.
Habitat in Kerala: Research in Kerala has identified rubber plantations and peridomestic (around the house) areas as significant breeding grounds for this mosquito. Common breeding sites include coconut shells, plastic waste, and latex collection cups in rubber plantations.
Health Concerns: The Asian tiger mosquito is a known vector for several viral diseases, including:
Dengue Fever
Chikungunya
Zika virus
Public Health Impact: Its ability to thrive in urban and suburban environments and its role in transmitting diseases make it a major public health concern in the state. Control measures in Kerala often focus on community-level efforts to eliminate standing water sources and reduce potential breeding sites.