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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.
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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.
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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.
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Butterflies and moths play a significant role in our environment as __________.
Butterflies and moths play a significant role in our environment as __________.
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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.
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Both adults and caterpillars require specific kinds of plants and __________.
Both adults and caterpillars require specific kinds of plants and __________.
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The widespread use of __________ and herbicides reduces butterfly and moth populations.
The widespread use of __________ and herbicides reduces butterfly and moth populations.
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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.
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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.
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The Giant Swallowtail has a habitat in ______ gardens and open woodlands.
The Giant Swallowtail has a habitat in ______ gardens and open woodlands.
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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.
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Butterflies and moths are excellent indicators of __________ quality.
Butterflies and moths are excellent indicators of __________ quality.
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The habitat of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail includes ______ woods along streams.
The habitat of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail includes ______ woods along streams.
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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.
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______ occur in nearly any kind of habitat and are found nearly worldwide.
______ occur in nearly any kind of habitat and are found nearly worldwide.
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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.
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The range of the Giant Swallowtail extends from southern Canada to ______.
The range of the Giant Swallowtail extends from southern Canada to ______.
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Both moths and butterflies belong to the insect order ______.
Both moths and butterflies belong to the insect order ______.
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The study of moths and butterflies is called ______.
The study of moths and butterflies is called ______.
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Members of the order Lepidoptera have ______ over most of their wings.
Members of the order Lepidoptera have ______ over most of their wings.
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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.
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More than ______% of the Lepidoptera order are considered moths.
More than ______% of the Lepidoptera order are considered moths.
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______ are widely celebrated for their beauty and valuable contribution to the ecosystem.
______ are widely celebrated for their beauty and valuable contribution to the ecosystem.
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The first known butterfly fossils date back between - million years ago.
The first known butterfly fossils date back between - million years ago.
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While moths and butterflies share similarities, there are key differences in their ______.
While moths and butterflies share similarities, there are key differences in their ______.
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The ______ forests are located in the eastern U.S. and southeast Canada.
The ______ forests are located in the eastern U.S. and southeast Canada.
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The ______ butterfly has a wingspan of 1 ¾ - 2 ½ inches.
The ______ butterfly has a wingspan of 1 ¾ - 2 ½ inches.
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The ______ Admiral has a wingspan of 2 ¾ - 3 inches.
The ______ Admiral has a wingspan of 2 ¾ - 3 inches.
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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.
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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.
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The ______ is a common habitat for Monarch butterflies during spring and summer.
The ______ is a common habitat for Monarch butterflies during spring and summer.
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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.
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Monarch butterflies migrate to ______ for the winter.
Monarch butterflies migrate to ______ for the winter.
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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.
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The Red Admiral butterfly has ______ generations per year.
The Red Admiral butterfly has ______ generations per year.
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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.
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The Polyphemus Moth has a wingspan of ______ to 5 ½ inches.
The Polyphemus Moth has a wingspan of ______ to 5 ½ inches.
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Cecropia Moth is usually found in hardwood forests east of the ______ Mountains.
Cecropia Moth is usually found in hardwood forests east of the ______ Mountains.
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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.
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The habitat of the Imperial Moth includes deciduous and ______ forests.
The habitat of the Imperial Moth includes deciduous and ______ forests.
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Match the following butterflies and moths to their wingspan ranges:
Match the following butterflies and moths to their wingspan ranges:
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Match the following species with their primary habitat:
Match the following species with their primary habitat:
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Match the following butterflies and moths to their notable features:
Match the following butterflies and moths to their notable features:
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Match the following life stages with their descriptions:
Match the following life stages with their descriptions:
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Match the following butterflies with their color markings:
Match the following butterflies with their color markings:
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Match the following descriptions with their characteristics:
Match the following descriptions with their characteristics:
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Match the following ecological roles with their significance:
Match the following ecological roles with their significance:
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Match the following characteristics with the correct group (Butterflies or Moths):
Match the following characteristics with the correct group (Butterflies or Moths):
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Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
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Match the following insects with their respective features:
Match the following insects with their respective features:
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Match the following insect structures with their functions:
Match the following insect structures with their functions:
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Match the following terms related to lifecycle and development:
Match the following terms related to lifecycle and development:
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Match the following colors with the correct insect type:
Match the following colors with the correct insect type:
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Match the insect characteristics with their examples:
Match the insect characteristics with their examples:
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Match the following insects to their habitats:
Match the following insects to their habitats:
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Match the following life cycles to the correct protective structure:
Match the following life cycles to the correct protective structure:
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Match the following activities with the correct insect group:
Match the following activities with the correct insect group:
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Match the following butterflies and moths with their distinctive features:
Match the following butterflies and moths with their distinctive features:
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Match each insect to its respective lifecycle characteristics:
Match each insect to its respective lifecycle characteristics:
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Match the butterflies and moths to their habitat preferences:
Match the butterflies and moths to their habitat preferences:
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Match each butterfly or moth to its range:
Match each butterfly or moth to its range:
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Match the following insects with their key color features:
Match the following insects with their key color features:
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Match the butterfly species with their distinctive wing markings:
Match the butterfly species with their distinctive wing markings:
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Match the butterfly species with their range:
Match the butterfly species with their range:
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Match the butterfly species with their lifecycle characteristics:
Match the butterfly species with their lifecycle characteristics:
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Match the butterfly species with their primary habitat:
Match the butterfly species with their primary habitat:
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Match the butterfly species with their wingspan:
Match the butterfly species with their wingspan:
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Match the butterfly species with their unique features:
Match the butterfly species with their unique features:
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Match the butterflies with their seasonal habitats:
Match the butterflies with their seasonal habitats:
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Match the butterfly with their coloration themes:
Match the butterfly with their coloration themes:
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Match the butterfly species with their wingspan:
Match the butterfly species with their wingspan:
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Match the butterfly species with their notable adaptations:
Match the butterfly species with their notable adaptations:
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Match the butterfly species with their environmental impacts:
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Match the butterfly species with their primary color:
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Match the butterfly species with their habitat:
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Match the species to their lifecycle characteristics:
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Match the butterfly species with their range:
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Match the butterfly species with their unique features:
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Match the butterfly species with their common names:
Match the butterfly species with their common names:
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Match the butterfly species with the description of their forewings:
Match the butterfly species with the description of their forewings:
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Match the butterfly species with the main color on their undersides:
Match the butterfly species with the main color on their undersides:
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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
-
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
-
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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Description
Explore the intricate life history of butterflies and moths at the Lake Shelbyville Eco-Meet 2024. Engage with nature and learn about these fascinating insects through various activities and discussions. This quiz will test your knowledge about the lifecycle, habitats, and importance of butterflies and moths in our ecosystem.