Interesting...

Why do butterflies have two sets of wings?


It's not to fly higher or faster, according to Smithsonian magazine (January 2009). The hindwings appear to be crucial to a butterfly's ability to be agile in the air and to turn quickly - presumably to avoid predators like hungry birds.



Black Swallowtail, just hatched
 

13 comments:

  1. Never really thought about that.
    Regardless - its truly a beautiful creature - with beautiful wings.
    I'm pretty sure those who are having probia with spiders and cockroaches may not have problems with butterflies.

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  2. I always enjoy your beautiful photos of butterflies, accompanied by interesting facts.

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  3. What a fantastic photo! The patterns on the wings are so delicate.

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  4. Wunder Natur
    ist herrlich

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  5. What a beautiful photo! I have enjoyed reading your blog. Also, I’ve nominated your blog for The Versatile Blogger award because your blog is inspiring, entertaining and a true joy to visit.
    http://www.daylilysoup.com/2012/04/versatile-blogger-award-nomination.html

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  6. yes, butterflies are beautiful creatures, I could not even begin to imagine a garden without butterflies!

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  7. Thank you for your kind comment :-)

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  8. yes delicate, and there are people that actually tag butterflies. I don't think I would dare this kind of work

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  9. und so bunt, gell? stell dir nur vor wir wuerden uns in dieser Farbkombination anziehen, man wuerde uns als Kasperle bezeichnen ;-)

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  10. Very interesting indeed! And those wings do a good job - butterflies can twist and turn very quickly!

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  11. Thank you so much for this nomination, I am honored :)

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  12. Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for the info! That's a great photo, too--it would be so pretty in a frame!

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  13. Interesting indeed...lovely t see new butterflies...ours will not be here for a while yet...

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