Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Moths & Butterflies/Answer Key"
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==2. Define the following terms: antennae, cocoon, pupa, larva, chrysalis. == | ==2. Define the following terms: antennae, cocoon, pupa, larva, chrysalis. == | ||
| + | ;Antennae: Antennae are paired appendages connected to the front-most segments of an insect. Antennae are jointed, at least at the base, and generally extend forward from the head. They are sensory organs, although the exact nature of what they sense and how they sense it is not the same in all groups, nor always clear. Functions may variously include sensing touch, air motion, heat, vibration (sound), and especially smell or taste. | ||
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| + | ;Cocoon: | ||
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| + | ;Pupa: A pupa is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. | ||
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| + | ;Larva: | ||
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| + | ;Chrsalis: | ||
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==3. Be able to identify three moths and/or butterflies by their cocoons. == | ==3. Be able to identify three moths and/or butterflies by their cocoons. == | ||
==4. What causes colored powder to come off on your hands when you handle the wings of a butterfly or moth? Examine the powder of a butterfly or moth with a magnifying lens and describe your findings.== | ==4. What causes colored powder to come off on your hands when you handle the wings of a butterfly or moth? Examine the powder of a butterfly or moth with a magnifying lens and describe your findings.== | ||
Revision as of 00:54, 11 August 2007
1. What is the distinction between moths and butterflies?
The division of Lepidopterans into moths and butterflies is a popular taxonomy, not a scientific one. The distinctions listed here are not absolute. There are many butterflies with some of the characteristics of moths and many moths with some of the characteristics of butterflies.
Antennae
The most obvious difference is in the feelers, or antennae. Most butterflies have thin slender filamentous antennae which are club shaped at the end. Moths, on the other hand, often have comb-like or feathery antennae, or filamentous and unclubbed.
Pupae
Most moth caterpillars spin a cocoon made of silk within which they metamorphose into the pupal stage. Most butterflies on the other hand form an exposed pupa which is also termed as a chrysalis.
Coloration of the wings
Most butterflies have bright colours on their wings. Nocturnal moths on the other hand are usually plain brown, grey, white or black and often with obscuring patterns of zigzags or swirls which help camouflage them as they rest during the day. However many day-flying moths are brightly-colored, particularly if they are toxic. A few butterflies are also plain-colored, like the Cabbage White butterfly.
Time of activity
Most moths are nocturnal while most butterflies are diurnal. There are however exceptions, including the diurnal Gypsy moth and the spectacular "Uraniidae" or Sunset moths.
Resting posture
Moths usually rest with their wings spread out to their sides. Butterflies frequently fold their wings above their backs when they are perched although they will occasionally "bask" with their wings spread for short periods.
2. Define the following terms: antennae, cocoon, pupa, larva, chrysalis.
- Antennae
- Antennae are paired appendages connected to the front-most segments of an insect. Antennae are jointed, at least at the base, and generally extend forward from the head. They are sensory organs, although the exact nature of what they sense and how they sense it is not the same in all groups, nor always clear. Functions may variously include sensing touch, air motion, heat, vibration (sound), and especially smell or taste.
- Cocoon
- Pupa
- A pupa is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation.
- Larva
- Chrsalis
