 |
 |
| Technical Terms |
| This page contains a list of technical terms which may be mentioned in the species descriptions on this web site. |
|
|
|
Diagrams |
|
| |
Click on a diagram to view. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Diagram showing the main anatomical features of a butterflies head and probosis. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Pupal (chrysalis) |
|
|
Cremaster
The pupa uses the cremaster to attach itself to silken pads. The cremaster is found at the tip of the abdomen of a pupa. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Imago (adult) |
|
|
Abdomen
The part of the body of a butterfly or moth behind the thorax. The Abdomen contains the reproductive organs and gut.
Antenna
The sensory organs projecting from the front of the head of both butterflies and moths. Butterflies tend to have antenna which are club shaped at the end while male moths can have feather-like antenna.
Frons
The area between the eyes of a butterfly.
Ovipositor
The structure a female has for laying eggs.
Proboscis
The feeding tube of a butterfly. The proboscis is formed from two cylindrical tubes which fuse after the adult butterfly emerges from its pupae forming a sealed tube through which sugary liquids such as nectar are drunk.
Thorax
The middle section of an insects body.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Diagram showing the main anatomical features of a butterfly. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wing Shape and Pattern |
|
|
Aberration
A genetic or environmentally produced variation of wing pattern compared to the usual form of the species.
Androconica
Male scent scales for attracting females. The area around these scales found on the upper forewing of butterflies and moths releases a sexual pheromone which attracts females of the same species. The use of pheromone lures is sometimes used to monitor certain moth species which are rarely encountered otherwise.
Basal
Towards the base of the wing, nearest the body.
Distal
The furthest point of the wing from the body. Generally the wing-tips.
Lunule
A crescent shaped mark which occurs as part of the wing pattern. Lunules are often present around the marginal parts of a butterflies wing.
Marginal
The outer edges of the wings.
Melanism
The preponderance of blackness - generally referring to variation in wing colouration. Melanistic forms often occur in populations of the White Admiral.
Ocellus
Eye-spots which occur on the butterflies wings. Eyespots are a defence mechanism. Eyespots may also be present of caterpillars to ward off predators.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Diagram showing the main features of the uppersides of a butterflies wings. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lifecycle |
|
|
Univoltine
Butterflies or moths which have one breeding cycle per year.
Bivoltine
Butterflies or moths which have two breeding cycles per year.
Trivoltine
Butterflies or moths which have three breeding cycles per year.
Diapause
Hibernation and aestivation.
Aestivation
The suspension of activity during the summer, warm/hot period. A summer version of hibernation. Especially prevalent in species which occur in very hot dry regions.
Hibernation
The suspension of activity during the winter, cold period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Behaviour and Habits |
|
|
Endemic
Restricted to a particular region. A specialist species which for example, only occurs in one country or region.
Gyandromorph
Having both female and male characteristics.
Dimorphism
Two different forms of the same species.
Metamorphosis
The process of dramatic physical change e.g. from a pupae to a butterfly.
Monophagous
A species which only uses one plant species as a larval food plant.
Oligophagous
A species which uses several closely related plant species as a larval food plant.
Polymorphism
The occurrence of many forms of the same species.
Polyphagous
A species which uses host plants from different genera.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Genetics and Population |
|
|
Cline
A gradual change of a character or feature in a species over a geographical area, often as a result of environmental heterogeneity.
Heterogeneity
Cultural, social, biological, or other differences within a group. Being diverse and not comparable in kind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
