yellow winged butterfly Leif Sohlman Photograph by Leif Sohlman

yellow winged butterfly Leif Sohlman

by Leif Sohlman

Canvas Print

$47

Framed Print

$74

Art Print

$23

Poster

$23

Metal Print

$71

Acrylic Print

$79

Wood Print

$51

Tapestry

$41

Throw Pillow

$27

Duvet Cover

$99

Tote Bag

$24

Greeting Card

$5.00

iPhone Case

$32

Coffee Mug

$14

Title

yellow winged butterfly Leif Sohlman

Artist

Leif Sohlman

Medium

Photograph - Photo Photography

Description

Yellow winged butterfy, En�ping Swedwn, summer 2013
Canon 5D mk III
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

lepidoptera
Monarch butterfly and Luna moth, two widely recognized lepidopterans

Scientific classification e

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Superorder: Panorpida
(unranked): Amphiesmenoptera
Order: Lepidoptera
Linnaeus, 1758

Suborders

Aglossata
Glossata
Heterobathmiina
Zeugloptera

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.[4]

Featured in group

Nature and Landsca... 02/02/2014
Amateur Photograph... 02/02/2014
Macro Photography ... 02/02/2014
Canon 5D I or II o... 02/02/2014
Premium FAA Artist... 02/03/2014
Excellent Self-Tau... 02/03/2014
ALL SEASONS Landsc... 02/03/2014
Beauty 02/03/2014
Rock The Sales 02/04/2014
FAA Featured Image... 02/07/2014
Comfortable Art - ... 02/17/2014
4000 or Up 07/07/2014
1000 Views on 1 image 04/21/2015
10 Plus 04/22/2015