Butterfly Adaptations & Fact Files

There are more than 200,000 species of lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) worldwide, they all have distinctive life-styles and features. Butterflies make up around 20,000 species and 5 families. Butterflies have overlapping scales on the wings that create their patterns. Their legs and body are also covered by similar scales and long hair-like scales or bristles. Most species can fly, some however are flightless. The average wingspan is 30mm, their sizes do range however, on a scale from 2.5mm wingspan to 30cm wingspan. Antennae shape also differs between butterflies and moths. Moths have a range of antenna types, varying from filamentous and feathered to toothed or comb-like. Butterflies have more thread like antennae with the tips thicker.

Lepidoptera are mostly herbivorous insects apart from a few exceptions.Adults mostly feed on nectar, honeydew or exudates from fermented fruits and sap. Mouthparts form a tube-like proboscis used to suck up liquid food. Larvae of most species are also herbivores, they feed on plants, roots and leaves.

Defence is an important trait for butterflies and moths, they have developed a range of strategies to cope with predators. The species all have a diverse show of coloration and markings, these can serve for defence as well as attracting potential mates. The wing markings that look like a pair of eyes are believed to startle predators.Also, some butterfly species, especially hairstreaks, can be known to use their hindwings as ‘fake heads’ to confuse predators. Some butterflies have particularly advanced. Mimicking poisonous or distasteful species that has a particular warning display of colours. Larvae and pupae also display cryptic patterns which are similar to the substrate they rest on. It is important for the for the chrysalis to stay hidden as the are quite vulnerable. Caterpillars may also change colour in the course of their development.