A complete life cycle observation of Papilio polytes The Common Mormon, Papilio polytes, is one of the swallowtail butterflies that can be found breeding on lime and other citrus plants in the Maldives. I have observed this species many times on lime trees, where the entire life cycle can be followed closely—from egg to caterpillar, […]
Introduction The Plain Tiger butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) is one of the most common and easily recognizable butterflies in the Maldives. Its local name is ruwaa kokaa, where kokaa means butterfly and ruwaa refers to the milkweed plant. With its bright orange wings bordered by bold black edges and white spots, it is a familiar sight […]
Acropora gemmifera is a species of reef-building stony coral belonging to the family Acroporidae. It is widely distributed across the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific region and is commonly found on exposed reef flats and upper reef slopes. The species is characterised by its thick, tapering branches and digitate colony form and is an important […]
Pocillopora meandrina, commonly known as the cauliflower coral, is a species of reef-building stony coral found throughout the Indo-Pacific and Pacific Oceans, including the Maldives. It inhabits shallow reef environments and is recognised by its compact, cauliflower-like colonies covered with wart-like skeletal projections. The species is widespread and ecologically important, contributing to reef framework formation, […]
The maakashikeyo (Pandanus odoratissimus) is one of the most significant tree species in the Maldives. Known in English as pandanus, screw pine, or screw palm, it is neither a true pine nor a palm, but a distinctive plant with a deep-rooted role in Maldivian culture, ecology, and daily life. Although often associated with coastal environments […]
The Maldivian Pond Heron, known locally as Huvadhoo Raabondhi, is a captivating symbol of the Maldives’ avian diversity. This subspecies of the Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) is endemic to the Maldives, distinguished by its longer, deeper bills in males and shorter tarsi in females. Feeding primarily on fish, crustaceans, and occasionally small insects and […]
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, known locally in Dhivehi as Bodu Kandoo or Boda Vaki, is one of the most significant mangrove species in the Maldives. It thrives across the islands, playing a vital role in protecting coastlines, supporting marine life, and sustaining local traditions. As a cornerstone of Maldivian mangrove ecosystems, it embodies the delicate balance of […]
Sonneratia caseolaris, commonly known as the mangrove apple, belongs to the genus Sonneratia, which consists of nine distinct species, including seven primary species and two hybrids. This species is globally recognized for its ecological significance and unique fruit. Distribution and Habitat in the Maldives In the Maldives, Sonneratia caseolaris is the predominant species, deeply integrated […]
Euphorbia hirta, known locally in the Maldives as Kiruthona, is a small annual herb valued for its medicinal properties. Commonly referred to as the Asthma herb, Garden spurge, or Snake weed, this plant has a significant role in traditional medicine, especially for treating respiratory issues. Native to the tropical regions of America, Euphorbia hirta has […]
Hunigondi Filaa is a very common medicinal plant in the Maldives. From my childhood, I remember hearing my mom and others in the community talk about this plant and its many uses. It was a familiar presence in our lives, not just as a common sight in gardens and marshy areas, but as a plant […]