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| ON FLORIDA BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS |
| INTRODUCTION: |
| Florida's diverse ecosystems are home to over 2,600 species of butterflies and moths. This guide is an introduction to some of the most common and unique species. Butterflies and moths belong to the second largest order of insects (next- to beetles) with approximately 170,000 species worldwide. All have two pairs of wings covered with overlapping layers of fine scales. They feed by uncoiling a long feeding-tube (proboscis) and sucking nutrients form flowers, puddles, etc. When not in use, the tube is coiled under the head. The two groups differ in several ways: |
| BUTTERFLIES |
| MOTHS |
| Active by day Brightly colored Thin body Rests with wings held erect over its back Antennae are thin and thickened at the tip |
| Active at night Most are dull colored Stout body Rests with wings folded, tent-like, over its back. Antennae are usually thicker and often feathery |
| All butterflies and moths have a complex life cycle consisting of four developmental stages. |
| 1.) Eggs - Eggs are laid singly or in clusters on vegetation or on the ground. One more clutches of eggs may be laid each year. 2.) Caterpillars (larvae) - These worm-like creatures hatch from eggs and feed primarily on plants (often on the host plant on which the eggs were laid). As they grow, larvae shed their skin periodically. 3.) Pupae - Pupae are the 'cases' within which caterpillars transform into adults. The pupa of a butterfly is known as a chrysalis; those of moths are called cocoons. In cooler regions, pupae often over winter before maturing into butterflies or moths. 4.) Adult - Butterflies / moths emerge from pupae to feed and breed. |
| ATTRACTING BUTTERFLIES TO YOUR YARD |
| Butterflies can be enticed to linger in yards containing nectar-bearing plants. Favorite shrubs include lantana, pussy willow, blueberry, obelia, hibiscus, lilac and butterflybush. Favorite flowers and herbs include aster, bee balm, marigold, firewheel, sunflower, phlox, coneflower, valerian, milkweed, verbena, sweet pea, butterflyweed, joe-pye-weed, blazing star, zinnia and spearmint. |
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| Website designed by: Jake S. |
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| To view each family of butterflies and moths, choose below: |
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