Beautiful, weightless, mesmerizing—these are the epithets bestowed upon butterflies. But how long can these amazing creatures delight us with their charm and grace? It's generally accepted that their lifespan is short. However, this opinion is far from accurate.
How to determine the lifespan of winged beauties
How long do "flying flowers" live? Life cycle consists of all phases of insect development:
- egg;
- caterpillar;
- doll;
- adult, imago.
When determining a butterfly's lifespan, scientists take into account the duration of each stage. Therefore, the periods are much longer than a few days. This is not surprising: the future butterfly spends most of its life in some stages.
When determining the life cycle of the species Vanessa, it is taken into account that The insect spends 4 days in the egg phaseIn the caterpillar stage, it lasts up to a decade, depending on the amount of fat accumulated for its transformation into a moth. As a chrysalis, the future butterfly will live for about a week, and then reaches its apotheosis, transforming into the epitome of grace and beauty.
However, the adult butterfly will remain a charming, light-winged creature for no more than two weeks. During this time, it should have time to lay eggs. This is likely why nature has allowed female butterflies to live a few days longer than males.
Components of the life cycle
Lifespan of a moth depends on many factorsThe term is influenced by:
- climatic conditions;
- species affiliation;
- coloring.
The lifespan of butterflies depends largely on climate. Most species live in tropical and subtropical conditions: these capricious beauties thrive on warmth and light. However, latitude directly determines the insect's lifespan.
How long can an insect live? Those living in northern latitudes can live up to two years. Food is scarce in these harsh conditions, and the larva doesn't have time to accumulate nutrients for the next stage. The pupa won't be able to become a butterfly the following spring. Thanks to "preservation," the lifespan of the future winged beauty is extended by a whole year!
The lifespan of butterflies and insect migrations are affected. Over the course of a year, beautiful creatures make 2 flights, from late spring to early fall. During this time, two generations of adults will emerge. The pupae will emerge in late summer or early spring.
Northern butterflies are stronger than southern ones!
Northern insects have a single migration. They live for about a year. Overwintering insects spend the longest period of their lives in the pupal stage. The insect emerges from its protective cocoon only with the arrival of true warmth, having prepared for the cold since early autumn.
The species of the moth also plays a significant role. How long does an insect live? Some species live no longer than a few hours. And this period is calculated from the time they lay eggs until they metamorphose into an adult. It's a misconception that all moths can live for a few hours or days: on average, they delight people with beauty for several weeksTrue, there are also long-livers.
These include inhabitants of northern latitudes. Insects have a remarkable ability: they enter a state of suspended animation. In this state, metabolic processes slow down, and energy is not expended on sustaining life. Butterflies are even resistant to pesticides during this period!
Long-lived among the "flying flowers"
The record-breaking winged beauties are the Monarch insects. Adults can live up to a year, setting a true record among Lepidoptera.
Cabbage butterflies flutter through the air for about a month. Some specimens of lemongrass manage to live for several years, even withstanding temperatures below 20 degrees below zero! Blue butterflies enjoy life for a few days. They have the shortest time allotted.
In captivity, this winged beauty will live longer than in the wild. But how much effort will be required for this to happen!
Temperature and timing of hibernation also affect the lifespan of butterflies. Severe cold can kill these delicate creatures, while in the warmth of a human dwelling or during thaws, a moth emerging from hibernation can die of exhaustion.
Victims of beauty?
It's well known that this graceful beauty goes through several stages during its life, transforming from a larva into a caterpillar, with the butterfly being the final stage of development. If the insect hasn't had time to accumulate nutrients for the next stage, it lives longer, extending its lifespan to several years!
In terms of color variety, these wonderful "flying flowers" are unrivaled in the insect world. Some truly astonishing specimens are found. Among them are the transparent butterfly, recognized as a true miracle of nature, and tropical beauties shimmering in all the colors of the rainbow, some of which are truly giants. with a wingspan of up to 28 cm.
But it is precisely the coloring that causes the lifespan to be shortened: collectors are willing to pay considerable sums of money to decorate their collections with the desired specimens.
"Domestic" butterflies
Natural enemies also hinder the lifespan of these beautiful insects. Therefore, in captivity, butterflies live longer due to the removal of the threat.
If you wish, you can increase the lifespan of a butterfly To do this, it is necessary to create conditions for the insect that are as close as possible to the natural conditions experienced by an adult insect. You will need:
- warmth, and for some tropical species the temperature will have to be maintained at no less than 28 degrees;
- sufficient lighting;
- nutrition.
Placing plants in an apartment to feed butterflies on nectar, as they do in the wild, is quite problematic. But it is possible to replace their usual diet. honey water.
If all conditions are met, the butterfly will bring pleasant memories. It will leave behind a legacy of gratitude for your care, and generation after generation will live on, fluttering around the apartment and bringing a sense of summer and joy.
