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Of the approximately 174,250 lepidopteran species described until 2007, butterflies and skippers are estimated to comprise approximately 17,950, with moths making up the rest. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] The vast majority of Lepidoptera are to be found in the tropics, but substantial diversity exists on most continents.
Larvae of a few butterflies (e.g., harvesters) eat harmful insects, and a few are predators of ants, while others live as mutualists in association with ants. Culturally, butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts. The Smithsonian Institution says "butterflies are certainly one of the most appealing creatures in nature". [5]
Lepidoptera (/ ˌ l ɛ p ɪ ˈ d ɒ p t ər ə / LEP-ih-DOP-tər-ə) or lepidopterans is an order of winged insects which includes butterflies and moths.About 180,000 species of the Lepidoptera have been described, representing 10% of the total described species of living organisms, [1] [2] making it the second largest insect order (behind Coleoptera) with 126 families [3] and 46 superfamilies ...
Pages in category "Butterflies by country" The following 109 pages are in this category, out of 109 total. This list may not reflect recent changes. A.
Pages in category "Lists of butterflies by location" The following 179 pages are in this category, out of 179 total. This list may not reflect recent changes .
In most individual adult butterflies, diapause begins with its southern migration, but unlike other insects in this state, it remains active. [ 21 ] [ 25 ] [ 5 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] When diapause is initiated the butterflies accumulate and store lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. [ 23 ]
Butterflies by continent — part of Lepidoptera (butterflies & moths) by continent. Subcategories. This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total. A.
Millions of butterflies arrive in the reserve annually. Butterflies only inhabit a fraction of the 56,000 hectares of the reserve from October–March. The biosphere's mission is to protect the butterfly species and its habitat. Most of the overwintering monarchs from eastern North America are found here. Researchers discovered these areas in 1975.