lepidopterology

2026-10-03 @ 11.51.09 ∈ In English

Butterflies use optical illusions to dodge predators

[A new study] helps solve a long-standing puzzle; butterflies have striking patterns that make them stand out, yet remarkably few predators specialise in catching them mid-flight. [Motion illusion patterns were found to be widespread among around 400 European butterflies that the study looked at.]

2026-07-10 @ 20.01.01 ∈ Suomeksi

12-vuotias Sara Mutanen teki sensaatiomaisen perhoslöydön

Uuden perhoslajin löytyminen Suomesta on tutkijan mukaan nykyään erittäin harvinaista. Aiempi lähin havainto [Cuprina fuscellasta] on Itävallasta yli kymmenen vuoden takaa.

2026-04-02 @ 11.03.28 ∈ In English

Researchers present first fossilized 'emperor' butterfly

Butterfly fossils are rare, and finds that preserve fine anatomical details and wing patterns are an absolute exception. An international research team[…] has now described an exceptionally well-preserved [Apaturinae] fossil, approximately 34 to 28 million years old.

2026-01-30 @ 11.56.48 ∈ In English

Tropical feedback loop: Butterfly mimicry patterns evolve faster near the equator

[If] one of your competitors was an Olympian speed runner, you'd quickly conclude that your time would be best spent chasing after some of the slower players. If there were multiple Olympian [runners, by wearing the same uniform they could implicitly tell] you not to bother trying to catch any of them.

2025-09-20 @ 14.34.31 ∈ In English

Australian scientists grapple with ‘despicable’ butterfly heist

Almost eight decades after Colin Wyatt stole and then vandalized thousands of precious Australian butterfly specimens, scientists are still untangling his web of deception.

2025-08-28 @ 19.20.35 ∈ Suomeksi

Päiväaktiivisten yöperhosten suuremmat kuuloelimet kyseenalaistavat olettamukset niiden evoluutiosta | Helsingin yliopisto

Tutkijat tekivät odottamattoman löydön: päiväaktiivisilla yöperhosilla on suuremmat korvat kuin niiden yöaktiivisilla sukulaisilla. Havainto on yllättävä, koska päiväaktiiviset lajit eivät joudu kaikuluotaavien lepakoiden saalistamiksi.

2025-08-25 @ 16.51.03 ∈ In English

(Earlier: Why the UK’s butterflies are booming in 2025)

Why are we seeing so many butterflies in Ireland this year?

Another reason for the 2025 butterfly boom is the weather in Europe. Hot, dry weather creates drought, and butterflies capable of migration escape by altitudinal and geographical migration. By moving north, Clouded Yellow, Large White, Small White, Red Admiral and Painted Lady butterflies can find succulent foodplants for their caterpillars.

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