THE LIFE OF BUTTERFLIES

Butterflies are holometabolous insects, i.e. they have a complete metamorphosis, with their life cycle divided into: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis) and adult phase (imago).

The caterpillar of each species feeds on specific plants, some of which are extremely selective.

While searching for nectar in flowers, pollen grains are transferred from one flower to another, facilitating fertilization and plant reproduction. This process is essential for the reproduction of a wide variety of plant species.

Caterpillars eat the leaves of plants and play a role in controlling the population of these plants. This balance is fundamental to the healthy functioning of ecosystems. In addition, adult butterflies are a source of food for many predators, such as birds, bats and spiders.

Above peacock Eye Butterfly - Junonia evarete

From the vibrant Blue Morpho Butterfly to the delicate yellow Butterfly, each region of the country reveals an impressive variety of colors, patterns and sizes of these winged insects.

Above glass Butterfly - Pierella nereis

The diversity of butterflies in Brazil is a treasure of nature, representing the richness and abundance of unique ecosystems that deserve to be preserved and appreciated.

HABITAT LOSS:
Destruction and fragmentation of their natural habitats due to human development, deforestation, intensive agriculture and urbanization.


POLLUTION:
Air, water and soil pollution can affect various types of host plants and the butterflies' food resources, as well as causing direct damage to the butterflies themselves.

CLIMATE CHANGE:
Rising temperatures and rainfall patterns, can vary the distribution of butterflies, leading them to migrate or face difficulties in finding suitable living and breeding conditions.

DEFORESTATION:
The removal of tropical forests, is a significant threat to these insects, as it reduces the places where they can feed, reproduce and shelter.

INTRODUCTION OF INVASIVE SPECIES:
The introduction of invasive species of plants or predators can compete with the butterflies' host plants or directly prey on the butterflies.

ILLEGAL COLLECTION:
The illegal collection of butterflies for the pet trade or personal collections can pose a significant threat to some rare or endangered species.

HUMAN DISTURBANCE:
Recreational activities, such as hiking trails and unregulated tourism in sensitive areas, can disturb butterfly habitats and their breeding activities.

Butterflies are active during the day, while most moths are active at night. When landing, the butterfly holds its wings together above its back, while the moth holds its wings horizontally.

HOW DO BUTTERFLIES COMMUNICATE?
Butterflies communicate through chemical signals. Males produce pheromones to seduce females. In addition, some species communicate by sound.

HOW LONG DO BUTTERFLIES LIVE?
Butterflies of most species only live for a few weeks; exceptions include migratory species, which can live for up to 10 months.

CAN BUTTERFLIES BLIND YOU?
Butterfly wings are covered in scales. These scales come off and form a powder that can irritate the eyes, like any other foreign body, but they don't blind.

DO BUTTERFLIES SLEEP?
Butterflies don't sleep like people, but many species rest in groups, a behavior called "roosting". Some may take a break for just one night, while others stay perched all winter.

WHAT IS THE LARGEST AND SMALLEST SPECIES OF BUTTERFLY?
The largest butterfly is the bird's wings from New Guinea, with a wingspan of up to 30 centimeters, the smallest is the blue button found in Egypt, which measures less than 1 centimeter.