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Questions and Answers
The transformation from egg to adult is called complete __________.
The transformation from egg to adult is called complete __________.
metamorphosis
The term __________ refers to the number of generations an organism has in a year.
The term __________ refers to the number of generations an organism has in a year.
voltinism
The Cecropia Moth is __________ because it only completes one full generation per year.
The Cecropia Moth is __________ because it only completes one full generation per year.
univoltine
The Monarch butterfly is __________, meaning it goes through many generations in one year.
The Monarch butterfly is __________, meaning it goes through many generations in one year.
The wingspan of the ______ swallowtail can be up to 7.4 inches for males.
The wingspan of the ______ swallowtail can be up to 7.4 inches for males.
The ______ Swallowtail is known for its striking yellow color with four black bands.
The ______ Swallowtail is known for its striking yellow color with four black bands.
Butterflies and moths play a significant role in our environment as __________.
Butterflies and moths play a significant role in our environment as __________.
The ______ Lady butterfly has a wingspan of approximately 2 to 2.5 inches.
The ______ Lady butterfly has a wingspan of approximately 2 to 2.5 inches.
Both adults and caterpillars require specific kinds of plants and __________.
Both adults and caterpillars require specific kinds of plants and __________.
The widespread use of __________ and herbicides reduces butterfly and moth populations.
The widespread use of __________ and herbicides reduces butterfly and moth populations.
The ______ Swallowtail has long hindwing tails and pale green-white wings with black stripes.
The ______ Swallowtail has long hindwing tails and pale green-white wings with black stripes.
Many butterfly and moth species are declining in range and numbers and have been listed as __________ species.
Many butterfly and moth species are declining in range and numbers and have been listed as __________ species.
The Giant Swallowtail has a habitat in ______ gardens and open woodlands.
The Giant Swallowtail has a habitat in ______ gardens and open woodlands.
The wings of the Painted Lady have ______ spots on the dark forewing tips.
The wings of the Painted Lady have ______ spots on the dark forewing tips.
Butterflies and moths are excellent indicators of __________ quality.
Butterflies and moths are excellent indicators of __________ quality.
The habitat of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail includes ______ woods along streams.
The habitat of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail includes ______ woods along streams.
By cultivating particular nectar flowers and host __________, it is possible to attract many species of butterflies and moths.
By cultivating particular nectar flowers and host __________, it is possible to attract many species of butterflies and moths.
______ occur in nearly any kind of habitat and are found nearly worldwide.
______ occur in nearly any kind of habitat and are found nearly worldwide.
The lifecycle of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can have between ______ and 3 generations per year.
The lifecycle of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can have between ______ and 3 generations per year.
The range of the Giant Swallowtail extends from southern Canada to ______.
The range of the Giant Swallowtail extends from southern Canada to ______.
Both moths and butterflies belong to the insect order ______.
Both moths and butterflies belong to the insect order ______.
The study of moths and butterflies is called ______.
The study of moths and butterflies is called ______.
Members of the order Lepidoptera have ______ over most of their wings.
Members of the order Lepidoptera have ______ over most of their wings.
The order Lepidoptera is estimated to contain nearly ______ species of moths and butterflies.
The order Lepidoptera is estimated to contain nearly ______ species of moths and butterflies.
More than ______% of the Lepidoptera order are considered moths.
More than ______% of the Lepidoptera order are considered moths.
______ are widely celebrated for their beauty and valuable contribution to the ecosystem.
______ are widely celebrated for their beauty and valuable contribution to the ecosystem.
The first known butterfly fossils date back between - million years ago.
The first known butterfly fossils date back between - million years ago.
While moths and butterflies share similarities, there are key differences in their ______.
While moths and butterflies share similarities, there are key differences in their ______.
The ______ forests are located in the eastern U.S. and southeast Canada.
The ______ forests are located in the eastern U.S. and southeast Canada.
The ______ butterfly has a wingspan of 1 ¾ - 2 ½ inches.
The ______ butterfly has a wingspan of 1 ¾ - 2 ½ inches.
The ______ Admiral has a wingspan of 2 ¾ - 3 inches.
The ______ Admiral has a wingspan of 2 ¾ - 3 inches.
The ______ butterfly is known for its reddish-orange color and black vein markings.
The ______ butterfly is known for its reddish-orange color and black vein markings.
Eastern Comma butterflies can have up to ______ generations per year in certain regions.
Eastern Comma butterflies can have up to ______ generations per year in certain regions.
The ______ is a common habitat for Monarch butterflies during spring and summer.
The ______ is a common habitat for Monarch butterflies during spring and summer.
Red Admiral butterflies can be found in habitats including moist woods, ______, and meadows.
Red Admiral butterflies can be found in habitats including moist woods, ______, and meadows.
Monarch butterflies migrate to ______ for the winter.
Monarch butterflies migrate to ______ for the winter.
The lower side of the hindwing of the Eastern Comma butterfly has a small, white or silver ______ shape.
The lower side of the hindwing of the Eastern Comma butterfly has a small, white or silver ______ shape.
The Red Admiral butterfly has ______ generations per year.
The Red Admiral butterfly has ______ generations per year.
The wingspan of the Imperial Moth ranges from 1 1/8 to ______ inches.
The wingspan of the Imperial Moth ranges from 1 1/8 to ______ inches.
The Polyphemus Moth has a wingspan of ______ to 5 ½ inches.
The Polyphemus Moth has a wingspan of ______ to 5 ½ inches.
Cecropia Moth is usually found in hardwood forests east of the ______ Mountains.
Cecropia Moth is usually found in hardwood forests east of the ______ Mountains.
The IO Moth's male forewings are primarily ______, while the females are reddish brown.
The IO Moth's male forewings are primarily ______, while the females are reddish brown.
The habitat of the Imperial Moth includes deciduous and ______ forests.
The habitat of the Imperial Moth includes deciduous and ______ forests.
Match the following butterflies and moths to their wingspan ranges:
Match the following butterflies and moths to their wingspan ranges:
Match the following species with their primary habitat:
Match the following species with their primary habitat:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following butterflies and moths to their notable features:
Match the following butterflies and moths to their notable features:
Match the following life stages with their descriptions:
Match the following life stages with their descriptions:
Match the following butterflies with their color markings:
Match the following butterflies with their color markings:
Match the following descriptions with their characteristics:
Match the following descriptions with their characteristics:
Match the following ecological roles with their significance:
Match the following ecological roles with their significance:
Match the following characteristics with the correct group (Butterflies or Moths):
Match the following characteristics with the correct group (Butterflies or Moths):
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following insects with their respective features:
Match the following insects with their respective features:
Match the following insect structures with their functions:
Match the following insect structures with their functions:
Match the following terms related to lifecycle and development:
Match the following terms related to lifecycle and development:
Match the following colors with the correct insect type:
Match the following colors with the correct insect type:
Match the insect characteristics with their examples:
Match the insect characteristics with their examples:
Match the following insects to their habitats:
Match the following insects to their habitats:
Match the following life cycles to the correct protective structure:
Match the following life cycles to the correct protective structure:
Match the following activities with the correct insect group:
Match the following activities with the correct insect group:
Match the following butterflies and moths with their distinctive features:
Match the following butterflies and moths with their distinctive features:
Match each insect to its respective lifecycle characteristics:
Match each insect to its respective lifecycle characteristics:
Match the butterflies and moths to their habitat preferences:
Match the butterflies and moths to their habitat preferences:
Match each butterfly or moth to its range:
Match each butterfly or moth to its range:
Match the following insects with their key color features:
Match the following insects with their key color features:
Match the butterfly species with their distinctive wing markings:
Match the butterfly species with their distinctive wing markings:
Match the butterfly species with their range:
Match the butterfly species with their range:
Match the butterfly species with their lifecycle characteristics:
Match the butterfly species with their lifecycle characteristics:
Match the butterfly species with their primary habitat:
Match the butterfly species with their primary habitat:
Match the butterfly species with their wingspan:
Match the butterfly species with their wingspan:
Match the butterfly species with their unique features:
Match the butterfly species with their unique features:
Match the butterflies with their seasonal habitats:
Match the butterflies with their seasonal habitats:
Match the butterfly with their coloration themes:
Match the butterfly with their coloration themes:
Match the butterfly species with their wingspan:
Match the butterfly species with their wingspan:
Match the butterfly species with their notable adaptations:
Match the butterfly species with their notable adaptations:
Match the butterfly species with their environmental impacts:
Match the butterfly species with their environmental impacts:
Match the butterfly species with their primary color:
Match the butterfly species with their primary color:
Match the butterfly species with their habitat:
Match the butterfly species with their habitat:
Match the species to their lifecycle characteristics:
Match the species to their lifecycle characteristics:
Match the butterfly species with their range:
Match the butterfly species with their range:
Match the butterfly species with their unique features:
Match the butterfly species with their unique features:
Match the butterfly species with their common names:
Match the butterfly species with their common names:
Match the butterfly species with the description of their forewings:
Match the butterfly species with the description of their forewings:
Match the butterfly species with the main color on their undersides:
Match the butterfly species with the main color on their undersides:
Match the butterfly species with the description of their hindwings:
Match the butterfly species with the description of their hindwings:
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Study Notes
The Life History of Moths and Butterflies
- Moths and butterflies are classified under the order Lepidoptera, featuring scaled wings.
- Approximately 160,000 species with over 75% identified as moths.
- Butterflies are well-regarded for their beauty and ecological contributions.
- Earliest butterfly fossils trace back 40-50 million years to the Eocene epoch.
- Complete metamorphosis involves transforming from egg to adult with potential multiple generations yearly (voltinism).
Conservation
- Lepidoptera serve as pollinators, prey, herbivores, and environmental indicators.
- Habitat loss and pesticide use threaten butterfly and moth populations.
- Many species are endangered or threatened, displaying a need for conservation efforts.
- Cultivating nectar flowers and host plants can attract various butterfly and moth species.
Butterfly Identification
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Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes):
- Wingspan: Up to 6.9” (females), 7.4” (males)
- Habitat: Butterfly gardens, open woodlands, marshes across eastern North America
- Lifecycle: 2 generations annually
-
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus):
- Wingspan: 3 1/10 – 5 ½”
- Habitat: Deciduous woods along water bodies
- Lifecycle: 2 to 3 generations yearly
-
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui):
- Wingspan: 2 – 2 ½”
- Habitat: Adaptable to various environments worldwide
- Lifecycle: Approximately 6 generations
-
Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus):
- Wingspan: 2 ½ – 4”
- Habitat: Moist forested areas in the eastern U.S. and southeast Canada
- Lifecycle: 2 to 3 generations in southern ranges
-
Eastern Comma Butterfly (Polygonia comma):
- Wingspan: 1 ¾ - 2 ½”
- Habitat: Open woodlands suitable for hibernation
- Lifecycle: 2 generations each year
-
Red Admiral (Vanessa Atalanta):
- Wingspan: 2 ¾ - 3”
- Habitat: Moist woods and various landscapes
- Lifecycle: 1 to 3 generations annually
-
Monarch (Danaus plexippus):
- Wingspan: 3 3/8 – 4 7/8”
- Habitat: Open fields and meadows, migratory to southern California and central Mexico
- Lifecycle: 4 generations per year with migratory patterns
Moth Identification
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Luna Moth (Actias luna):
- Wingspan: 3 - 4 ½”
- Habitat: Deciduous forests
- Lifecycle: 1 generation in northern areas; 2-3 in warmer climates
-
Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis):
- Wingspan: 1 1/8 – 2”
- Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests from Argentina to Canada
- Lifecycle: Depends on climate; 1-2 generations yearly
-
Io Moth (Automeris io):
- Wingspan: 2 3/8 – 2 ¾”
- Habitat: Open woods and meadows
- Lifecycle: 1 generation in northern regions; 1-2 in the south
-
Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus):
- Wingspan: 3 ½ - 5 ½”
- Habitat: Deciduous forests and urban areas across Canada and the U.S.
- Lifecycle: 1 generation in northern areas; up to 4 in southern climates
-
Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia):
- Wingspan: 4 ¾ - 5 7/8”
- Habitat: Hardwood forests in eastern North America
- Lifecycle: Univoltine, producing one brood annually
Life History of Moths and Butterflies
- Moths and butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera, containing around 160,000 species, over 75% of which are moths.
- Both insects exhibit similarities in anatomy, life cycles, habitats, and appearance, yet differ in behavior and specific characteristics.
- The first butterfly fossils date back 40-50 million years to the Eocene epoch, suggesting butterflies evolved from nocturnal ancestors.
Differences Between Butterflies and Moths
- Color and Wing Position: Butterflies tend to have vibrant colors and hold wings vertically over their backs; moths generally have duller colors and rest their wings flat against their bodies.
- Antennae: Butterflies possess knob-like antennae, while moths have plumose or feather-like antennae to assist in navigation and sensory perception.
- Frenulum: Moths have a frenulum, a bristle-like structure connecting forewings and hindwings for synchronized movement in flight, absent in butterflies.
- Activity Time: Butterflies are mostly diurnal (active during the day), while moths are generally nocturnal; exceptions include species like the Hummingbird Moth, which is diurnal.
- Pupae Protection: Moths spin silk cocoons for pupation, while butterflies form chrysalises—a hard, smooth shell—offering protection during this stage.
Anatomy
- Both insects have three main body segments: head, thorax, abdomen; six jointed legs; two antennae; and two pairs of wings.
Butterfly Identification
- Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes): Wingspan of up to 7.4 inches; brown/yellow color; habitats include butterfly gardens and open woodlands; common from southern Canada to Costa Rica.
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus): Wingspan ranges from 3.1 to 5.5 inches; yellow with black bands; thrives in deciduous woods and along wetlands; widely distributed in eastern U.S.
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui): Small butterfly with a wingspan of 2-2.5 inches; orange and black; adapts to various habitats and is found globally.
- Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus): Wingspan of 2.5-4 inches; pale green-white with black stripes; found in moist areas in the eastern U.S.
- Eastern Comma Butterfly (Polygonia comma): Wingspan of 1.75-2.5 inches; has a cryptic coloration; inhabits open woodlands throughout most of the eastern U.S.
- Red Admiral (Vanessa Atalanta): Scalloped wings with reddish-orange bands; wingspan of 2.75-3 inches; found in diverse habitats from Canada to Guatemala.
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus): Known for its migratory patterns; wingspan of 3.375-4.875 inches; bright orange with a black border; prefers open fields and meadows; Illinois' state insect.
- Viceroy (Limenitis archippus): Mimics Monarch appearance; wingspan of 2.625-3.3125 inches; common across most of the continental U.S.
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes): Dark blue to black wings with yellow spots; ranges from southern Canada to northern Mexico; emerges in two generations yearly.
Moth Identification
- Tomato Hornworm Moth (Manduca quinquemaculata): Wingspan of 3.5-4.375 inches; mouse-gray with black streaks; inhabits open, cultivated areas from northern Mexico to southern Canada.
- Luna Moth (Actias luna): Pale green wings with purple margins; wingspan ranges from 3.125 to 4.5 inches; known for its long tails on hindwings.
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