Lepidoptera
Articles tagged with Lepidoptera
We have just 20 years to stop spiraling decline in British biodiversity
A new study warns of a 20-year window to act on climate and land use policies to prevent further biodiversity loss in Britain. Sustainable practices like strong emissions action and reduced meat consumption could save up to 69 fewer species from extinction.
Four and a half years supporting European wild pollinators: Safeguard project comes to an end
The Safeguard project, which aimed to expand understanding of declining wild pollinators, has come to an end. The project delivered a comprehensive reassessment of European wild pollinator trends and developed an integrated assessment framework to guide evidence-based management.
Scientists lay out what we do and don’t yet know about moths and butterflies
Researchers shed light on moths & butterflies' evolution, conservation needs, and diverse feeding habits. Discoveries suggest that these insects obtained plant-digesting abilities from fungi, while mandibled moths were once more diverse but largely extinct.
Climate change could fragment habitat for monarch butterflies, disrupting mass migration
A study predicts that climate change will shift suitable habitat for monarch butterflies southwards, disrupting their mass migration. The results show a decline in suitable habitat of between 8% and 40% by 2070, fracturing existing migrating routes.
Bug beats: caterpillars use complex rhythms to communicate with ants
Researchers found caterpillars mimic ant signals using precise rhythmic beats to gain acceptance, feeding, and protection. The most ant-dependent species produce regular, complex rhythms similar to those used by ants.
Evasive butterfly mimicry reveals a supercharged biodiversity feedback loop
A new study in Systematic Entomology reveals that evasive butterfly mimicry in the genus Adelpha may be a rare and overlooked type of mimicry. The researchers found that Adelpha butterflies use speed and unpredictability as a defense mechanism, making them difficult to catch for birds and other predators.
These caterpillars can hear using tiny hairs on their bodies
Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that caterpillars can hear airborne sounds via microscopic hairs on their bodies. The study found that the caterpillars were 10 to 100 times more responsive to airborne sound than surface vibrations felt on their feet, suggesting a new approach for improving microphone technology.
The Florida Museum of Natural History publishes “The Butterflies of California,” a book five decades in the making
The Florida Museum of Natural History has published 'The Butterflies of California' after five decades of work by brothers Thomas and John Emmel. The book, which clocks in at 854 pages, explores the diversity and life histories of butterflies in western North America.
A sound defense: Noisy pupae puff away potential predators
In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, researchers from Kobe University found that hawkmoth larvae and pupae produce defensive sounds when stimulated. These sounds are released through respiratory openings and resemble snake warning signals, potentially helping the insects evade predators.
Project to ‘freeze’ decline of iconic butterfly
Researchers investigate cryopreservation as a tool for conservation, using the European subspecies of the Swallowtail to assess its viability. If effective, it could support long-term strategies like breeding programs and reintroduction efforts.
Nota Lepidopterologica welcomes new Editor-in-Chief Marcin Wiorek
Marcin Wiorek joins Nota Lepidopterologica as co-Editor-in-Chief, succeeding David Lees. He brings expertise in Lepidoptera systematics and phylogeny to the journal. Wiorek's research focuses on tiger moths and has been recognized with a recently obtained PhD.
Grassland butterflies – important indicators of the state of nature
The 'Grassland Butterfly Index' shows a significant decline in butterfly populations in Germany from 2016 to 2023, with some species decreasing by up to 50%. This trend is consistent with European-wide declines, highlighting the need for effective conservation measures to protect these important ecosystem indicators.
Ants defend plants from herbivores but can hinder pollination
A study found that ants can scare away pollinators like bees when defending plants with extrafloral nectaries, which are secretions that attract ants but not pollinators. However, plants with these glands on other locations had increased reproductive success.
Striking new moth species, hidden for a century, named to honor 42 years of marriage
A previously mistaken moth has been identified as a new species, Carcina ingridmariae, with significant genetic differences from its lookalike relative. The species was discovered using DNA barcoding and has a wingspan of about 2 cm, found across the eastern Mediterranean.
Why these hairy caterpillars swarm every decade – then vanish without a trace
Researchers found that the caterpillars' cycles interact with natural controls like viral disease, and they're highly adapted to their environment. Outbreaks can be predicted and damage controlled, but the exact timing is linked to specific factors.
Genome sequencing of butterflies resolves centuries-old conundrum
A new study sequenced the genomes of glasswing butterflies, revealing six previously unrecognized species and shedding light on their rapid diversification. The research also showed that these butterflies use chemical communication to recognize each other, despite their similar appearances.
Remapping the evolutionary tree of butterflies
A large international team genetically maps glasswing butterflies across Central and South America, rewriting the evolutionary tree and highlighting six new species. This study provides answers to questions that have remained unknown for at least 150 years.
City-dwelling monarch butterflies stay put
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, suggests that non-native milkweeds in urban gardens are not harmful to migratory monarch butterflies. The study found that resident monarchs and non-native milkweeds are not connected to the larger population, allowing urban ecosystems to contribute to their conservation.
University of Oldenburg celebrates sensational success after securing funding for three Clusters of Excellence
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
Insects are disappearing due to agriculture – and many other drivers, new research reveals
A new study analyzing over 175 scientific reviews found that agricultural intensification is a major driver of insect decline, but climate change has multiple individual drivers such as extreme precipitation and temperature. The research highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to conserve insect biodiversity.
Curious isolation: New butterfly species discovered
The discovery of the Curiously Isolated Hairstreak, a new butterfly species, reveals striking genetic diversity and ecological uniqueness. The isolated population has been separated from its closest relatives for up to 40,000 years, resulting in low genetic diversity and reduced adaptability to changing climatic conditions.
Picky eaters by day, buffet by night: Butterfly, moth diets sync to plant aromas
A new study finds that the daily cycles of plant aromas shape the dietary habits and evolution of butterflies and moths. Research suggests that day-active insects have evolved to be picky eaters with larger antennae, while night-active species have more generalized diets due to reduced chemical information.
The long wait for bees to return to restored grasslands
Research by Kobe University reveals that restoring abandoned grasslands requires at least 75 years of continuous management to regain plant diversity. Pollinators also take time to adapt, with generalist insects like flies and hoverflies dominating recently restored sites.
20% of butterflies in the U.S. have disappeared since 2000
A comprehensive analysis of butterfly data in the US found that butterfly abundance fell by 22% between 2000 and 2020. The study, led by Eliza Grames at Binghamton University, examined data from over 12.6 million butterflies across the continental US.
Study raises the possibility of a country without butterflies
A new study published in Science tallies butterfly data from over 76,000 surveys across the US, revealing a 22% decline in total butterfly abundance between 2000 and 2020. This alarming rate affects 554 species, with 107 experiencing population losses of more than half.
The yucca and the moth: How extreme weather impacts the timing of biological events
A new study suggests that extreme weather events are crucial to understanding phenological responses in plants and insects. The research found that disruptions to the delicate relationships between certain species, such as the yucca plant and yucca moth, can have significant consequences for survival.
1,400 species found in guts of Asian hornets
A study of Asian hornets found over 1,400 different species in their guts, including a wide range of bees, wasps, and insects. The diet varied strongly over the seasons and between regions, showing that they are highly flexible predators.
Decades-long study shows that this endangered Florida butterfly benefits from hurricanes
A decades-long study reveals that the Schaus' swallowtail butterfly in Florida experiences increased populations following strong hurricanes. The butterflies benefit from the clearing of their host plants, allowing for an abundance of food for caterpillars to grow and thrive after storms.
Globetrotting not in the genes
Scientists studied painted lady butterflies' migration patterns and found that environmental conditions shape their travel behavior, with some crossing the Sahara Desert. Contrary to previous belief, genetic analysis revealed no difference in DNA sequences between short- and long-trip butterflies.
Painted lady butterflies migrations and genetics
A study on painted lady butterfly migrations found that environmental conditions, rather than genetic coding, drive their migratory patterns. The research revealed that butterflies can travel vast distances, crossing the Sahara Desert, without showing significant genomic differences between short and long-distance migrants.
The life cycle and climate adaptability of South Africa’s endemic Cape Autumn Widow butterfly
Researchers document butterfly's complete life cycle, including two distinct pupation phases, influenced by environmental conditions. The species may show phenological plasticity in response to climate change, adapting its breeding timing and brood production.
Can sown wildflowers compensate for cities’ lack of natural meadows to support pollinating insects?
A study in Warsaw, Poland found no difference in insect-pollinated plant composition or species richness between sown and natural meadows. However, natural meadows had twice the number of butterflies compared to sown meadows.
Scientists create new overwintering sites for monarch butterflies on a warming planet
Researchers have successfully established new sacred fir forests on a nearby volcano to serve as overwintering sites for monarch butterflies, which are projected to disappear from their current habitats due to global warming.
The monarch butterfly may not be endangered, but its migration is
The study found that monarchs are dying off during their fall migration south to Mexico, with roost sizes declining by as much as 80%. Climate change is not believed to be the primary cause, but rather a debilitating parasite and captive breeding may be to blame.
New species of clearwing moth from Guyana discovered in Wales
A new species of clearwing moth has been identified from specimens found by a traveler returning from Guyana to the UK. The discovery was made possible through community science efforts involving a young ecologist and a photographer, leading to DNA sequencing and identification as Carmenta brachyclados.
Maintaining an essential habitat: What’s good for pollinators is good for utility companies too
A new study found that well-managed electric rights-of-way can increase the diversity and abundance of pollinating insects, as well as flowering plants. By mimicking natural disturbances like wildfires, utility crews can create successional habitats that support rare plant communities.
Funding awarded for research on bagworms, bubonic plague, ancient mammals and a repository of changing seasons
Researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History are studying bagworms' unique life cycle and their potential to inform understanding of modern climate change. They'll also analyze fossils from ancient mammal communities affected by rapid warming, as well as use AI to model future disease outbreaks.
Flower Power: providing blooms all season long may be the key to attracting pollinators, no matter what landscape your garden is near
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the diversity and abundance of flowers in a garden, rather than its surroundings, have a greater impact on attracting pollinators. The researchers discovered that providing blooms all season long is crucial for promoting local pollinator communities.
At-risk butterflies more likely to survive with human help
A recent study found that actively managed habitats can slow or reverse population declines in at-risk butterflies. Habitat management, such as prescribed burns and planting nectar plants, appeared to dampen the effect of climate change on butterfly timing.
Moths may use disco gene to regulate day/night cycles
Researchers found that moth species with overlapping ranges in the southeastern US have distinct clock genes, including the 'disco' gene. The study reveals how vision evolves when a species switches its pattern of activity, and provides insights into the mechanisms behind species speciation.
How do butterflies stick to branches during metamorphosis?
Researchers found that butterflies spin unique silk structures, including hook-and-loop fasteners and multi-strand safety tethers, to secure their chrysalises to branches. Despite being thinner and weaker than silkworm silk, these structures provide a stable anchor for the butterfly's transformation.
Monarch butterflies need help, and a little bit of milkweed goes a long way
Researchers found that even tiny city gardens with native milkweed species attracted monarchs and caterpillars. Older, established milkweed plants were more likely to support eggs, while a variety of blooming plants provided nectar for adult monarchs.
Winter breeding offers lifeline for monarch butterflies in Northern California
A new study found that monarch pupae can survive and produce adults for up to seven weeks in the winter, with a 49.4% success rate in pupal eclosion. The study suggests a potential adaptation to warmer winters and offers an alternative to traditional overwintering methods.
When it comes to butterflies, people prefer pretty ones. That’s a problem for scientists.
A new study reveals that data on popular community science platforms is biased towards easily identifiable and attractive species. Researchers found that iNaturalist's reliance on photos creates a personal bias, underreporting certain species and overreporting others.
Historical butterfly specimens, over a century old, at London's Natural History Museum inform the classification of rare species
Historical DNA barcodes from over a century old butterfly specimens help classify a group of rare Calinaginae butterflies. The classification sheds new light on the taxonomy of this insect group.
No evidence that England’s new ‘biodiversity boost’ planning policy will help birds or butterflies
A new legal requirement for developers to demonstrate a biodiversity boost in planning applications may not be effective in improving bird and butterfly populations. Despite this, researchers suggest that the metric can capture plant biodiversity well, but needs improvement to reflect ecosystem intricacies.
Insecticides contributed to loss of butterflies across American MidWest
A new study found that neonicotinoid-treated seeds led to an 8% drop in butterfly species diversity, with the pesticide also affecting monarch butterfly populations. The research calls for publicly available data on pesticide use to understand the causes of butterfly decline.
Millions of insects migrate through 30-metre Pyrenees pass
Researchers have found a vast number and variety of day-flying insects migrating through the Pass of Bujaruelo in the Pyrenees, with flies making up 90% of the total. The insects begin their journeys further north in Europe and continue south into Spain.
The butterfly effect: excessive vegetation in Arabia triggered massive butterfly migrations in 2019 across Europe and Africa
A 2019 study found that high vegetation growth in the Middle East attracted painted lady butterflies, which then migrated across Europe and Africa. Pollen analysis revealed the origins of the migration routes, highlighting the importance of citizen science and monitoring insect migrations.
Slugs and snails love the city, unlike other animals
A study using crowd-sourced data from iNaturalist found that slugs and snails are more common in urban areas than other native species. In contrast, butterflies and moths were the least tolerant of urban environments. The analysis provides valuable insights for city planners to increase urban biodiversity.
Biodiversity in the margins: Merging farmlands affects natural pest control
A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.
Tiger beetles fight off bat attacks with ultrasonic mimicry
Researchers found that tiger beetles respond to bat echolocation by producing their own ultrasonic signal, which they believe is a defense mechanism. The beetles' defensive chemicals are not effective at deterring bats, but the sound itself may be used to trick bats into thinking they are noxious.
New sex-determining mechanism in African butterfly discovered
Researchers have discovered a radically different molecular switch that determines sex in African butterflies, relying on recognition of sequence differences within the Masculinizer gene. This alternative mechanism leads to hypervariability of the Masculinizer gene and drives the production of more females than expected.
Bella moths use poison to attract mates. Scientists are closer to finding out how
Researchers have discovered how bella moths, found in eastern North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, use toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids to guard their eggs and deter predators. The moths' ability to safely consume these toxins is linked to specific genes that may confer immunity.
Butterflies, bees, ants and flies are the most widely referenced arthropods in a sample of almost 4,000 haiku - which commonly describe their color, flight and ecology
A sample of almost 4,000 haiku references butterflies, bees, ants, and flies most frequently, describing their color, flight patterns, and ecology. The study provides new insights into the diversity and complexity of arthropod references in traditional Japanese poetry.
Scientists discover how caterpillars can stop their bleeding in seconds
Caterpillars of the Carolina sphinx moth have an extraordinary ability to instantly change their hemolymph's material properties, turning it into a viscoelastic fluid that helps stop bleeding. This discovery has potential applications for developing new drugs for humans to create fast-working thickeners of human blood.
Scientists discover how Diadem butterfly mimics African Queen
Female Diadem butterflies have evolved colours and patterns that closely match those of toxic African Queens, making them appear toxic to predators. This convergent evolution allows the Diadems to avoid being eaten by birds and other predators.
Butterfly and moth genomes mostly unchanged despite 250 million years of evolution
Researchers analyzed over 200 butterfly and moth genomes to understand their evolutionary history. They found that chromosomes have remained largely unchanged since the last common ancestor over 250 million years ago, despite the diversity seen today in wing patterns and caterpillar forms.
New evidence shows UK solar parks can provide for bees and butterflies
A new study shows that UK solar parks, if managed correctly, can support insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The availability of a diverse range of flowering plant species within the solar farms is crucial for increased pollinator abundance and biodiversity.