Butterflies and moths rely on different senses to help them find food. Because butterflies are active during the day, color plays an important role in survival. Brightly colored flowers advertise food sources. However, moths are usually only active at night and cannot rely on visible color to help them find food. Instead, moths rely on smell. Moths’ feather-like antennae have greater surface …
The observation and study of Lepidoptera (the large order of insects that includes the butterflies and moths, characterized by four membranous wings covered with small scales; lepidoscaly + ptera, wing) began, historically, with the curiosity of amateurs. The science (lepidopterology) followed, as dedicated amateurs began to devote more time to the study, share their discoveries with others and…