Butterflies and Skippers
Papilionoidea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Papilionoidea: //pæˌpɪliːəˈnɔɪdiə//
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Images
Summary
Papilionoidea, comprising all butterflies except the moth-like Hedyloidea, includes six main families and exhibits significant morphological diversity. They play crucial ecological roles in pollination and as prey for other species.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan varies from 7—300 mm; thin, knobbed antennae in most butterflies, straight and clubbed or hooked in skippers. Caterpillars do not spin cocoons; pupae are angular.
Identification Tips
Adult butterflies typically exhibit distinct wing patterns and colors. Males and females often show sexual dimorphism in size and shape, with males usually smaller and having less rounded hindwings.
Habitat
Butterflies are typically found in open, sunny places such as old fields and also in woodlands. Habitat preferences can vary among different groups.
Distribution
Worldwide except Antarctica; over 700 species in North America, and more than 14,000 species globally.
Diet
Adults primarily feed on nectar from flowers using coiled mouthparts; caterpillars mostly feed on plants, with some feeding on organic materials or being carnivorous.
Life Cycle
Undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes the stages of egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (butterfly).
Reproduction
Mating behaviors may include courtship displays, often influenced by environmental factors and the presence of suitable resources.
Predators
Predators include birds, spiders, and other insects, as well as mammalian species that may consume caterpillars or adults.
Ecosystem Role
Important pollinators for numerous flowering plants; caterpillars serve as prey for various species.
Economic Impact
Pollination by butterflies contributes to agriculture and horticulture; some species are used in scientific research or art.
Evolution
Originated in the latest Mesozoic or early Paleogene, with extant families emerging in the early Eocene. Recent phylogenetic analyses suggest that skippers and Hedyloidea are true butterflies that should be classified within Papilionoidea.
Similar Taxa
- Hesperiidae (Skippers)
- Hedyloidea (Moth-like Butterflies)
Misconceptions
Often confused with moths; butterflies are typically active during the day and have distinct wing-folding habits compared to moths.
Tags
- Butterflies
- Lepidoptera
- Papilionoidea
- Insects
- Pollinators