Butterflies

Butterflies are insects of the family of the arthropoda of the order of the lepidopteras and I can simply say that they are flying insects, thanks to a pair of wings that boast bright colors and that adorn and fill with joy the environment.

 

There are nearby 18 000 species worldwide and they can be found  even around the Arctic, although only some few species can survive there, however usually they are migratory species in this icy area of the planet.

Butterflies eat basically nectar from flowers where they obtain sugars to get energy, although some can eat derive nourishment from pollen, sap of trees and rotten fruit. Adult butterflies drink liquids obtained from damp patches to keep moisturized through their proboscis, which is a tubular feeding and sucking organ. Some butterflies require more sodium than nectar can provide, so it is common that they posen on person’s skin and drink human sweat which is provided with salt.

Butterflies use their antennae to detect the movement of wind and aromas that are scattered around, so they are covered with sensory organelles known as sensilas. Most of butterflies has a very special sense of taste, actually  is up to 200 times more sensitive to sugars that humans, chemo-receptors located  across their body that work only on contact also used to determine whether the offspring of an insect that lay eggs will be managed able to feed the leave where they  will be deposited before the eggs are put on it.

Many butterflies use chemical signals known as pheromones, and specialized scent scales to determine the location of the receptive females.

Some species are migratory, implying that they fly long distances, thanks to the fact that they are able to navigate using solar compasses and their ability to see polarized light by those who are skilled to navigate even during cloudy days. Monarch butterflies are the most representative of this group by their known travels between Mexico and the South of Canada, covering distances between 2500-3000 miles. Other migratory species include the Painted Lady. It has been suggested that most migratory butterflies are born in semi-arid areas where breeding seasons are short.

One of the reasons why it is worthwhile to study the butterflies is the understanding of their interaction with plants and pests that allow the balance of the environment, what scientists have called co-evolution which is part of the process of organic diversification.

Despite its beauty and its apparent fragility, they have developed mechanisms of defense that has allowed them to survive in the environment. One of the methods is camouflage or cryptic coloration that allows you to look like a leave or mixed on the bark of a tree to hide from predators.

Another method is the Chemical Defense, which has developed for purposes of survival, secreting chemicals that are toxic to other species. 

Butterflies life cycle consists of 4 different moments, the first one begins with an  egg that is a tiny is round to oval-shaped or cylindrical female between the leaves, stems, or other objects and the ability to feed the larvae.

The Caterpillar or larva is considered to be the next stage, in which appears a worm with streaks or colors that make them distinctive, and emerge on the sheets was where put the egg, which devour during its growth.

The chrysalis is the stage of transformation of the worm his way into insect, during which the caterpillar tissues are rolled back to give passage to the adult structures of the insect that is already formed inside. In the majority of species, the chrysalis are brown or green since this color serves as camouflage in the natural environment. 

Once the chrysalis opens, it exits to the butterfly that is usually colorful and is able to fly, reproductive stage. In adulthood the butterflies can live from one week to one year, depending on the species. 

There are theories that suggest that butterflies are actually genetically one, but two entities because they carry genetic elements of the worm and insect, however this proposal still under discussion between entomologists.

There are different periods of life depending of the kind of butterfly around their of the cycles of life, since it has been found that some remain for months as larvae, while others can remain as Chrysalis during winter, allowing the colorful flight during the spring of insects that survive to freezing temperatures.

They may have one or more cycles of offspring during the year, and some studies show this variation is due to climatic factors, since it has been found a tendency of a higher rate in tropical regions than in temperate regions.

There are other butterflies with nocturnal habits or smaller known as moths, even though they can  have bright colors an a peculiar beauty, but the fact that they are able to destroy the wood or clothes, make them less attractive insects.

If you want to see more pics of butterflies, please, feel free to click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alma_dzib_goodin/sets/72157624325842948/