9781422278215

The following text explains the inter- nal functions and structure of butterflies andmoths,referredtocollectivelyasLep- idoptera—which can be literally trans- lated as “scale-wing,” a reference to the coating of scales found on the wings of most species. The range of species found throughout the world is explored as are their day-to-day lives and their fascinat- ing life cycles. With nearly 150,000 spe- cies of Lepidoptera known in the world, and many yet to be discovered, there is certainly no shortage of subject matter for study.

didupperwings. At certainangles these look brown and white, but when the light is right, a magnificent metallic- purple sheen is seen, and the contrast between the two surfaces will astonish any onlooker. The butterfly drinks for sev- eral minutes and is joined by a range of other insects. Soon, its thirst quenched, it flies powerfully upward to spend the rest of the day disputing territories and searching for mates among the crowns of the tallest oak trees.

The emergence of a butterfly, such as this monarch (Danaus plexippus) , from a pupa is one of the true miracles of nature. The metamorphosis may take a matter of only a few minutes, but it is preceded by weeks of complex changes in the internal structure of the insect.

Using its long proboscis, this monarch (Danaus plexippus) is probing a flower for nectar. When not feeding, butterflies can coil up this apparatus; it then becomes partly hidden beneath the head.

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