Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Butterfly
Discover the different facts about this winged-jewel insect & its functional body parts.
Common name – Butterfly
Scientific name – Lepidoptera
Distribution – Widespread
Life Cycle –
A Teeny tiny Egg is found on the host plant on which a female lays eggs. This egg goes through various stages of development called ‘Metamorphosis’. The next stage of an Egg is ‘Caterpillar’,
It emerges out of an egg within 3 days to a week. The Caterpillar feed on the eggshell and later crawls and feeds upon the leaves. Some might feed upon aphid insects. Many Caterpillars moult, by adapting and growing in different colours depending upon the species. A Caterpillar cannot hear but feel the vibrations of the Food plant. It has a sense to detect light and darkness. They have a slight vision.
Pupa
Caterpillar ceases to feed and wanders to find good support. It perches on firm support by its sucker legs (legs that have suction perch and can stick to a surface) and forms a loop of silk around itself with the help of its saliva.
The Pupal stage lasts for 1-2 weeks.
Butterfly –
The last and final stage of development is a ‘Butterfly’. A beautiful colourful attractive winged insect. The Butterfly emerges from the Pupa. It holds on to Pupa and it takes some time for the Blood circulation to reach its membranous wings.
Body parts and their Functions –
The Butterfly possesses Antennae which can smell. Antenae also has scent receptors to detect the presence of another individual.
The eyes of the Butterfly are Compound with numerous functional cells. Males have good eyesight to seek females for courtship, mating and getting rid of rival males. They have well-developed colour vision.
Thorax –
Thorax is the middle body part made up of three segments, attached by a thin neck.
2 segments consist of legs which are taste receptors. Legs are responsible for Pollination. And 1 segment has attached triangular-shaped wings. Four wings, 2 on each side.
Patterns on wings differ in Butterfly. The patterns on their wings help them lure away predators.
Wings are made up of tiny powdery scales. The term ‘Lepido’ in Lepidoptera is for scales.
The main Mouth Part of the Butterfly is Proboscis, which helps in sucking liquid food, Nectar and sugary fruits and juices.
Males feed on dung, mud, urine, and decaying flesh to acquire sodium and amino acids.
Also See ⇒ Bed Bug Facts