Size doesn’t matter but color does: preference of neotropical butterfly species to make souvenirs

Abstract

The state of Veracruz, Mexico has a high diversity of tropical butterflies, which other countries transform into handicrafts. To select butterflies as components of souvenirs, butterfly specimens were collected by convenience sampling. Forty four butterfly species were identified, belonging to Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae and Lycaenidae. The preferred butterflies were selected from a survey applied to visitors on the boardwalks of Veracruz City piers. Morpho helenor, Heliconius charithonia and Danaus gilippus were the most liked species. Most respondents (76%) said they would like to see the chosen butterflies into souvenirs, and 74% were willing to buy these butterfly based items. The most important factor driving likeness and rejection of butterflies was color (81.9% and 71.9% respectively). We conclude that because of the great species diversity and acceptance of these insects, there is a potential for using butterflies to make souvenirs in this location.