White butterfly on yellow flower by Leif Sohlman

by Leif Sohlman

Title

White butterfly on yellow flower by Leif Sohlman

Artist

Leif Sohlman

Medium

Photograph - Photo Photography

Description

White butterfly on yellow flower summer 2013 in Enk�ping, Sweden 2013.
Canon 5D mk III
Lepidoptera (/ˌlɛpɨˈdɒptərə/ lep-i-DOP-tər-ə) is a large order of insects that includes moths and butterflies (both called lepidopterans). It is one of the most widespread and widely recognizable insect orders in the world,[1] encompassing moths and the three superfamilies of butterflies, skipper butterflies, and moth-butterflies. The term was coined by Linnaeus in 1735 and is derived from Ancient Greek λεπίδος (scale) and πτερόν (wing).[2] Comprising an estimated 174,250 species,[3] in 126 families[4] and 46 superfamilies,[3] the Lepidoptera show many variations of the basic body structure that have evolved to gain advantages in lifestyle and distribution. Recent estimates suggest that the order may have more species than earlier thought,[5] and is among the four most speciose orders, along with the Hymenoptera, Diptera, and the Coleoptera.[1]

Lepidopteran species are characterized by more than three derived features, some of the most apparent being the scales covering their bodies and wings, and a proboscis. The scales are modified, flattened "hairs", and give butterflies and moths their extraordinary variety of colors and patterns. Almost all species have some form of membranous wings, except for a few that have reduced wings or are wingless. Like most other insects, butterflies and moths are holometabolous, meaning they undergo complete metamorphosis. Mating and the laying of eggs are carried out by adults, normally near or on host plants for the larvae. The larvae are commonly called caterpillars, and are completely different from their adult moth or butterfly form, having a cylindrical body with a well-developed head, mandible mouth parts, and from 0 to 11 (usually 8) pairs of prolegs. As they grow, these larvae will change in appearance, going through a series of stages called instars. Once fully matured, the larva develops into a pupa, referred to as a chrysalis in the case of butterflies and a cocoon in the case of moths. A few butterflies and many moth species spin a silk case or cocoon prior to pupating, while others do not, instead going underground.[1]

The Lepidoptera have, over millions of years, evolved a wide range of wing patterns and coloration ranging from drab moths akin to the related order Trichoptera, to the brightly colored and complex-patterned butterflies.[4] Accordingly, this is the most recognized and popular of insect orders with many people involved in the observation, study, collection, rearing of and commerce in these insects. A person who collects or studies this order is referred to as a lepidopterist.

Butterflies and moths play an important role in the natural ecosystem as pollinators and as food in the food chain; conversely, their larva are considered very problematic to vegetation in agriculture, as their main source of food is often live plant matter. In many species, the female may produce anywhere from 200 to 600 eggs, while in others the number may go as high as 30,000 eggs in one day. The caterpillars hatching from these eggs can cause damage to large quantities of crops. Many moth and butterfly species are of economic interest by virtue of their role as pollinators, the silk they produce or as pest species.
Flight is an important aspect of the lives of butterflies and moths and is used for evading predators, searching for food and finding mates in a timely manner as lepidopteran species do not live long after eclosion. It is the main form of locomotion in most species. In lepidoptera, the forewings and hindwings are mechanically coupled and flap in synchrony. Flight is anteromotoric, or being driven primarily by action of the forewings. Although it has been reported that lepidopteran species can still fly when their hindwings are cut off, it reduces their linear flight and turning capabilities.[50]

Lepidopteran species have to be warm, about 77 to 79 �F (25 to 26 �C) in order to fly. They depend on their body temperature being sufficiently high and since they can't regulate it themselves, this is dependent on their environment. Butterflies living in cooler climates may use their wings to warm their bodies. They will bask in the sun, spreading out their wings so that they get maximum exposure to the sunlight. In hotter climates butterflies can easily overheat, so they are usually active only during the cooler parts of the day, early morning, late afternoon or early evening. During the heat of the day they rest in the shade. Some larger thick-bodied moths (e. g. Sphingidae) can generate their own heat to a limited degree by vibrating their wings. The heat generated by the flight muscles warms the thorax while the temperature of the abdomen is unimportant for flight. To avoid overheating some moths rely on hairy scales, internal air sacs, and other structures to separate the thorax and abdomen and keep the abdomen cooler.[51]

Some species of butterfly can reach fast speeds, such as the Southern Dart, which can go as fast as 48.4 km/h. Sphingids are some of the fastest flying insects, some are capable of flying at over 50 km/h (30 miles per hour), having a wingspan of 35�150 mm.[4][52] In some species, there is sometimes a gliding component to their flight. Flight occurs either as hovering, or as forward or backward motion.[53] In butterfly and in moth species, like hawk moths, hovering is important as they need to maintain a certain stability over flowers when feeding on the nectar

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March 11th, 2014

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