Sometimes the simplest questions can be put to a standstill for a long time and cause to reflect.For example, as a butterfly wing?At first glance, the answer is obvious - four.But many quite sincerely believe that the two of them.Why is there such confusion, which have a structure and how many lepidoptera butterfly wings are actually - the theme of this article.
Who are the butterfly
These creatures belong to a class of insects, moths squad.They are named so because their wings are covered with tiny scales.They are modified (flattened) Chitin hairs.Like a thick carpet, they cover the wings of butterflies and provide them with a vivid and varied color.On each of the winglets number could reach a million.
scales are different: optical, pigment and fragrant.Latest release pheromones - special substances that attract individuals of the opposite sex.Some butterflies may feel female for tens of kilometers.The pigment flakes of paint wings in a variety of color shades and optical have ribs, refracting light.Because of them, the wings of butterflies can be poured.
detachment Lepidoptera now has about 250 thousand species.
wing structure
Asked how many butterfly wings, a brief look at its structure.Insect itself consists of three parts - a head, thorax and abdomen.In the middle and back of the chest arranged wings.By the way, how many pairs of wings of a butterfly?The answer can be found on this scheme.
It can be clearly seen that two pairs of wings Lepidoptera - two front and two rear.They are webbed, have a number of veins.The bilayer membrane stretched over the frame of the veins, forms the wing.
Why does it seem that only two wings - right and left of the abdomen of an insect?The fact that the butterfly they are coplanar, and some representatives of the Lepidoptera are also connecting their membrane.A butterfly flaps its two pairs of wings simultaneously.This creates the false impression that the two of them.
Painting of butterfly wings - infinite variety of shades
the beauty and richness of bright colored Lepidoptera constantly compared with flowers.Among the butterflies there are individuals quite inconspicuous, dressed in gray and brown tones.They are mostly nocturnal, and their discreet coloring allows them to perfectly disguise themselves on rocks, branches or bark of trees.But more strikingly beautiful butterflies with wings painted in the most incredible colors.
most unusual wings of butterflies
A variety of unusual shapes and colors of the wings of Lepidoptera can not but admire.Among them there are instances that seem to be just impossible, so they look awesome.
Glass Greta oto butterfly has transparent wings, framed by dark-colored rim.Taurus insect painted in brown tones.Against this background, wings, devoid of pigment flakes, crystal clear look.In the forests of the Amazon Greta oto - one of the most common butterflies, but for us it is very unusual appearance and beautiful.
Saturnia Madagascar pavlinoglazok of the family - the owner of the unusual wings with long tails.They have a bright color (from lemon yellow to orange).This butterfly - one of the largest in the world.Each wing of the size of a man's hand is located the spot in the form of the eye.Looks butterfly, found only in Madagascar, impressive.
A snowy pterophoridae looks as if covered with feathers.These butterflies quite baby, long reach 10-40 millimeters and are nocturnal.
Conclusion
How many butterfly wings?The answer to the seemingly simple question is not always easy.But this is an excellent opportunity to look at the butterflies, and once again admire the ingenuity and imagination of nature.
