To access the photographs please click 'Butterflies, Macros or Micros(-moths)' on the header

The order Lepidoptera is large, with around 150,000 species in the world and over 2,500 in Britain. The order is commonly (but artificially) divided into butterflies, macro-moths and micro-moths, although many of the micro's are actually larger than some of the smaller macro's.

Large Emerald Geometra papilionaria (Linnaeus)

Lepidoptera have two pairs of wings clothed in scales, but the females of some moths have only vestigial (reduced) wings and are therefore flightless. The majority of Lepidopteran species feed on nectar and other fluids by sucking them up through a tube known as the proboscis. The proboscis is coiled under the head when not in use. In contrast to this, some of the more ancient (least evolved) species such as the small moths in the genus Micropterix have jaws and feed on pollen. Other species, such as some of the hawk-moths and tiger moths do not feed in the adult stage and have no functional mouthparts.

Although the British butterflies are day-flying and are often differentiated by their clubbed antennae, the antennae of some moths, including the burnet moths, are also clubbed.  Although most moths are nocturnal, there are as many British moths to be found flying during the day as there are butterflies. 

Lack of colour is certainly not a way to distinguish the moths as many are just as colourful as the brightest of butterflies. The Orange Moth Angerona prunaria is the colour of orange peel, the Large Emerald Geometra papilionaria is brilliant green and many of the micro-moths are iridescent.

The sexes of moths find each other by the use of pheromones (scent hormones). This is why the males often have pectinate (feathered) antennae. The larger surface area of these antennae allows easier detection of the pheromones. Some species can detect females for a kilometre or more down wind. The butterflies depend more on sight to find each other, although scent is still used in their courtship.

Lepidoptera go through several stages before they become an imago (adult). The eggs of some moths, such as the swifts, are just scattered in flight over the food plants, while others are placed carefully on the leaves of a specific food plant, either singly, or in neat rows.

The larvae or caterpillars of Lepidoptera are mainly vegetarian, although some species such as the Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines, Dunbar Cosmia trapezina and some of the wainscots are predatory, or even cannibalistic. 

The intermediate stage between the larva and imago is the pupa or chrysalis. Some species pass this stage within a silken cocoon, often between leaves of the food plant, or buried in the leaf litter. Others hang the chrysalis upright from the rear end, or in a silken harness. Many species pass the winter as pupae, although others may go through as eggs, larvae or adults.

The larvae of Lepidoptera can be very destructive and do have a significant economic influence on humans, but at the same time they are a vital link in the food chain. It is no coincidence that birds nest when moth larvae are abundant. Caterpillars are the staple diet of many nestling birds. 

The domesticated Silk moth is an example of a species which is economically beneficial to humans throughout the world, providing a total of well over 80,000 tonnes of silk per year. 

Apart from the effect on our economy, the number of butterfly exhibits and the way butterflies and moths are so often portrayed in our art, surely indicates aesthetic benefits that cannot be valued in money alone.

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To access the photographs please click 'Butterflies, Macros or Micros(-moths)' on the header

Bibliography

Bradley, J.D., A Checklist of Lepidoptera Recorded from the British Isles (2000, Bradley & Bradley)

Chinery, M., A Field Guide to the Insects of Britain and Northern Europe. (1973, Collins)

Chinery, M., Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe. (1986, Collins)

Heath, J., Emmet, A.M., & Langmaid, J.R., et al. The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland Vols.1, 2, 3, 4pt.1. & 7pt.2. (1983, 1985, 1996, 2002 & 1992, Harley Books)

Emmet, A.M., A Field Guide to the Smaller British Lepidoptera 2nd Ed. (1988, British Entomological & Natural History Society)

Lewington, R., How to identify Butterflies (1999, Collins)

Porter, J., The Colour Identification Guide to Caterpillars of the British Isles (1997, Viking)

Skinner, B., Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles (1984, Viking)

Thomas, J., & Lewington, R., The Butterflies of Britain & Ireland (1991, Dorling Kindersley, Published in association with the National Trust)

Various authors, Illustrated Papers on British Microlepidoptera (1978, British Entomological & Natural History Society)

Waring, Townsend & Lewington, Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland (2003, British Wildlife Publishing)

To access the photographs please click ''Butterflies, Macros or Micros(-moths)' on the header

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