motyle

Motyle (butterflies) are day-active insects in the order Lepidoptera. They are closely related to moths but typically brighter and more diurnal. About 17,000 described species occur worldwide, grouped into families such as Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies), Papilionidae (swallowtails), Pieridae (whites and sulphurs), Lycaenidae (blues and coppers), and Hesperiidae (skippers).

Adult butterflies have wings covered with tiny scales and a long coiled proboscis for sipping nectar. They undergo complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into caterpillars, which become chrysalides before emerging as winged adults. Caterpillars feed on specific host plants, making many species sensitive to habitat change.

Adults primarily feed on nectar but may also take sap, rotting fruit, or animal exudates. Mating involves visual cues, pheromones, and, in some species, territorial behavior. Many species use camouflage or eye spots to deter predators.

Butterflies inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests and meadows to deserts and alpine zones, with the greatest diversity in tropical regions. Some, such as the monarch (Danaus plexippus), undertake long migrations.

Conservation concerns include habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Protecting host plants and nectar sources, creating connected habitats, and monitoring programs help support butterfly populations. They are often used as indicators of environmental health and play important roles as pollinators and parts of food webs.