Lepidoptera

Lepidoptera Latest News

Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have come out with a detailed Catalogue of Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths) of India recently.

About Lepidoptera

• It is an insect order comprising about 180,000 species of butterflies and moths.
• This order of insects is second in size only to Coleoptera, the beetles. 
• The name ‘’Lepidoptera’’ is derived from the Greek, meaning “scaly winged,” and refers to the characteristic covering of microscopic dustlike scales on the wings. 
• With the exception of a few moths, all adult lepidopterans have two pairs of wings. 
• Because of their day-flying habits and bright colors, the butterflies are more familiar than the chiefly night-flying and dull-colored moths, but the latter are far more varied and abundant. 
• Distribution:
  • Lepidopterans live on every continent except Antarctica. 
  • Though they are far more numerous and diversified in the tropics, some species survive at the limits of polar vegetation. 
• The life cycle of lepidopterans consists of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. 
• They are mostly herbivorous (folivorous) as caterpillars and nectarivorous as adults. 
• They play an important role in the natural ecosystem as pollinators and serve as primary consumers in the food chain.
• Conversely, their larvae (caterpillars) are considered very problematic to vegetation in agriculture, as they consume large quantities of plant matter (mostly foliage) to sustain growth. 
• Silkworm (Bombyx mori), a moth, is the source of commercial silk. 

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Catalogue of Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths) of India

• India is home to 13,703 species of lepidoptera, which is about 8.25% of the total lepidoptera found across the globe. 
• Of the 13,703 species of lepidoptera, 1,417 are butterflies, and the remaining 12,286 are moths.
• Among the 13,703 species of lepidoptera, the scientists have identified and catalogued 2,205 species of Geometroidea, nocturnal pollinators taking over the “night shift” when daytime butterflies rest. 
  • These 2,205 species account for 8.8% of the world’s known species in this superfamily.

News: TH