The moths (Lepidoptera) are an order of insects whose adult form is commonly called butterfly. They are distinguished as adults by three pairs of legs (like all insects) and two pairs of wings covered with scales of colors varied according to species. Moths lay eggs that give rise to caterpillars. The latter are then transformed into a chrysalis (or not hiding in a cocoon woven previously). It emerges finally the imago, or butterfly. Their life cycle is therefore composed of four distinct stages, egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly, and the process of transformation is the metamorphosis.
Lepidoptera are holometabolous like flies and beetles, that is to say that an individual's life is divided into three successive stages of development differ. Egg, larva becomes known as the moth larva, then called imago butterfly. At this stage, the butterfly has a longevity varies according to species, a few days (mulberry) or weeks (Flambé, Papilio machaon) to several months (Up to ten).
Lepidoptera, as adult (butterfly), are characterized by two pairs of membranous wings covered with colorful scales, which are flattened setae; the word "moth" comes from this characteristic means lepidos scales Greek.
The ocelli or eyes may be embellishments defense (at the Peacock for example), it is a good way for the recognition of species (orange ocellus centered with black on the wing earlier in March of Little Changing absent changing in the Grand March [1].
The other side of brown or black on its wings, a livery homochromy can hide in many species with bright colors on the front of their wings (eg Peacock). Their bodies are often hidden by a thick coating of thick exoskeleton especially for circumpolar species.
Their mouthparts are transformed into trunk, spirally wound to suck nectar. The trunk is formed by the maxillae Galeas which are highly elongated and interconnected by two coaptation: the earlier formed setae and posterior hooks that made the show solidarity strongly, forming a channel for suction nectar.
The trunk of butterflies is a high precision tool that combines technical prowess. At rest, it remains wrapped in a spiral like a watch spring, under the effect of an elastic strip that runs along its upper wall. A succession of rings of chitin - a substance very resistant - maintains the pipe gaping whatever its curvature. When the butterfly wants to eat, he contracted a series of hundreds of tiny oblique muscles, located in the thickness of the tube, they cause the flow. In the first third of the length of the trunk muscles special coudent down. This flexible hinge supports in particular search of nectar in the corolla narrower and deeper. Without even having to head down, the butterfly moves its trunk to explore every corner of the flowers they visit. In the head of the insect, a type of pear can expand under the action of powerful muscles. It acts as a vacuum cleaner. The butterflies alight on the petals. With very sensitive taste organs located at the end of their legs, they know immediately whether to deploy their bulky gear suction.
The egg is laid on or near the host plant of the caterpillar, which often give its common name butterfly (Pieris Cabbage, or Blue butterfly).
The larva, or caterpillar, is type mill with two silk-labial glands that is to say making a silk thread.
Source: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidoptera
Quiz: Are you able to identify with the two kinds of butterflies that are the pictures?
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